J  .  /  ^ ,  c 


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PRINCETON,  N.  J.  ^ 


Presented    by^&^  (J\  A  ;J^QQc\V\\A\  fr^:X 
BV    4580    .B8    1860 
Burnham,    Samuel,    1833-1873. 
Life's   evening;    or,    thought 
for   the   aged 


X 


■-     -^  ■    ?i 


JiJ.  ,€i^  A^ 


'       /  /  /     ^ 


^ 


LIFE'S   EVENING; 


OR, 


THOUGHTS  FOR  THE  AGED. 


BY  THE  AUTHOR  OP  "LIFE'S  MORNING,"  ETC. 


"  The  shadows  of  the  evening  are  stretched  out." 

Jer.  vi.  4. 


BOSTON: 
J.    E.    TILTON     AND     COMPANY, 

161    Washington    Street. 
18  60. 


University  Press,  Cambridge : 
Electiotyped  and  Printed  by  Welch,  Bigelow,  &  Co. 


CONTENTS. 


Page 

THE   REVIEW   OF   LIFE 5 

THE   AGED   CHRISTIAN 37 

TOO   OLD   TO   BE   USEFUL 41 

THE  PROMISED   STRENGTH 65 

THE   ENIGMA   OP   LIFE 89 

SELF-JUSTIFICATION 92 

THE   LOSS   OP  MEMORY 115 

"abide  WITH  us" 126 

SYMPATHY   AND    SELFISHNESS 137 

THE   UNCHANGING    FRIEND 149- 

WORDS   IN   SEASON 172 

LIGHT   AT   EVENTIDE 204 

THE   BANKS   OF   THE   RIVER 206 

WHEN   WILT   THOU  DIE  1 235 

THE   HEAVENLY  REST 238 

OUR  HOME 263 


%\t  piefo  flf  Ixk 


r^  busy  day  of  life  is  over.  Its  pleasures,  its 
duties,  and  its  anxieties  have  passed  away. 
The  sunshine  and  the  shade,  which  alternately 
marked  its  path,  have  alike  disappeared ;  and 
the  soft  tints  of  evening  are  gathered  over 
the  sky. 

The  evening  of  life !  Yes  :  life  has  its  sun- 
set hour,  its  twilight  season.  The  dim  eye, 
the  silvered  lock,  and  the  feeble  step,  indicate 
that  the  closing  period  of  earthly  existence  has 
arrived.  How  rapid  has  been  the  flight  of 
time  !  how  near  must  be  the  approach  of 
eternity ! 


6  life's  evening. 


The  gradual  decline  of  health  and  strength 
is  a  kind  and  merciful  preparative  for  the 
solemn  change  which  awaits  us.  It  seems  to 
lessen  the  reluctance  which  our  nature  feels  to 
give  up  life  ;  to  wean  us  from  the  varied  attrac- 
tions of  earth ;  to  soften  the  abrupt  transition 
from  the  present  to  a  future  state  of  being.  It 
accustoms  us  to  the  consideration  of  death :  it 
assists  us  in  the  realization  of  immortality. 

The  evening  of  life !  Evening  is  the  time 
for  rest.  The  little  bird  seeks  its  leafy  roost ; 
the  rosy  child  throws  aside  its  playthings  and 
falls  asleep;  the  weary  laborer  comes  home 
from  his  work.  The  cares  of  the  day  are 
forgotten ;  and  all  is  hushed  and  quiet.  And 
life's  closing  hours,  Christian  reader,  should  be 
distinguished  by  serenity  and  repose.  You 
must  not  harass  and  perplex  yourself  now  with 
occupations  which  were  once  both  appropriate 


THE  REVIEW   OF   LIFE. 


and  necessary,  nor  repine  because  you  are  un- 
able to  exert  yourself  as  in  former  days.  Your 
strength  is  to  sit  still.  Old  age  is  the  resting- 
place  in  the  journey  of  life ;  and  the  feverish 
heat  of  noontide  is  exchanged  for  the  refresh- 
ing coolness  of  twilight. 

An  impatient,  restless,  grasping,  or  dissatis- 
fied spirit  is  not  consistent  with  the  character 
of  an  aged  pilgrim.  Habitual  quietude  and 
self-possession  should  mark  his  demeanor. 
Neither  the  excitements  of  the  world,  nor  the 
agitations  of  the  professing  Church,  should 
rufSe  your  equanimity ;  for  you  are  too  expe- 
rienced a  traveller  in  this  vale  of  tears  to  be 
discomposed  by  the  distractions  around  you,  or 
to  doubt  the  wisdom  and  faithfulness  of  Him 
who  makes  all  things  work  together  for  good. 

Your  rest  in  Christ,  your  trust  in  him  as 
your   Saviour,  should  be  more  perfect,  more 


life's  evening. 


unwavering  than  in  earlier  years.  "I  know 
whom  I  have  believed,  and  am  persuaded  that 
he  is  able  to  keep  that  which  I  have  committed 
unto  him  against  that  day,"*  should  be  the 
assured  expression  of  your  confidence  in  him. 
Firmly  placed  on  the  Rock  of  ages,  and  fully 
conscious  of  the  security  of  your  position,  your 
closing  life  should  be  a  realization  of  that 
promise  in  which  God  has  engaged  to  keep  in 
'^ perfect  peace  "  those  whose  minds  are  stayed 
on  him.f  The  cheerful,  all-sustaining  faith  of 
an  aged  Christian  is  one  of  the  best  testimo- 
nies to  the  worth  and  reality  of  religion,  and 
furnishes  a  bright  and  encouraging  example  to 
the  lambs  of  the  flock.  Weary  and  distressed 
by  the  arduous  conflict  in  which  he  is  engaged, 
the  youthful  Christian  is  frequently  too  ready 
to   conclude   with  the   desponding   patriarch, 

*  2  Tim.  i.  12.  t  Isa.  xxvi.  3.  • 


THE   REVIEW   OF   LIFE. 


"  All  these  things  ar-e  against  me ; "  *  or  to 
exclaim  with  the  sorrowful  Psalmist,  "  I  shall 
perish  one  day."  f  At  such  seasons  in  his 
experience,  his  faith  is  strengthened  and  his 
hope  is  revived,  as  he  beholds  the  tranquillity 
and  peace  of  some  advanced  believer,  who  has 
safely  passed  through  similar  trials,  and  success- 
fully surmounted  similar  temptations  to  his 
own,  and  who  is  now  enjoying  a  foretaste  of 
that  rest  which  remaineth  to  the  people  of  God. 
Such  repose  is  to  him  a  pledge  of  his  own 
partial  deliverance  from  toil  and  conflict ;  and 
the  contemplation  of  it  enables  him  to  gird  up 
the  loins  of  his  mind,  and  to  run  with  patience 
the  race  set  before  him. 

Then  let  those  around  you.  Christian  reader, 
see  that  your  hope  is  like  an  anchor  sure  and 
steadfast ;  that  you  are  now  confidently  resting 

*  Gen.  xlii.  36.  t  1  Sara,  xxvii.  1. 


10  life's  evening. 


upon  those  principles  which  have  hitherto 
sustained  and  guided  you.  Let  no  doubt 
shadow  your  peace;  no  anxiety  ruffle  your 
composure.  You  have  struggled  long  with 
trial  and  temptation ;  you  have  tested  in  your 
own  experience  the  truth  of  God's  promises ; 
you  have  done  his  work  among  your  fellow- 
men  ;  and  now  you  must  calmly  wait  until 
your  Father's  loving  voice  bids  you  welcome 
home. 

The  evening  of  life !  Evening  is  the  time 
for  reflection.  Amidst  the  busy  and  exciting 
occupations  of  the  day  there  is  seldom  much 
opportunity  for  serious  consideration.  Well- 
disciplined  minds,  it  is  true,  can  control  their 
thoughts,  and  gather  them  around  high  and 
holy  subjects,  even  in  those  moments  which 
are  necessarily  devoted  to  worldly  business ;  but 
most  persons  are  so  harassed  and  engrossed  by 


THE  REVIEW   OP  LIFE.  11 

the  constant  claims  upon  their  time  and 
attention,  as  scarcely  to  be  able  to  cast  a 
hurried  glance  on  things  which  are  unseen  and 
remote ;  and  they  feel  how  welcome  and  how 
desirable  is  the  evening  hour  for  quiet  medita- 
tion, for  self-examination,  and  for  the  formation 
of  wise  and  good  lourposes. 

Now,  reader,  your  eventide  of  life  should 
be  consecrated  to  calm  and  elevated  thought. 
Through  the  long  period  which  is  passed,  you 
have  not  perhaps  redeemed  much  time  for 
hallowed  consideration.  Martha-like,  you  may 
have  been  cumbered  with  much  serving ;  or, 
Israel-like,  you  may  have  forgotten  the  Lord 
your  God.  But  whatever  has  been  your 
previous  history,  you  are  now,  by  the  infirm- 
ities of  age,  withdrawn  from  active  duties, 
that  you  may  muse  upon  coming  realities. 
How  thankful  should  you  feel  that  there  is  yet 


12 


a  brief  space  allotted  you  for  pious  thought 
and  preparation,  before  you  go  hence  and  be 
no  more  seen ! 

In  the  peaceful  twilight  hour,  when  we  sit 
alone  and  commune  with  our  own  hearts,  our 
thoughts  naturally  turn  to  the  occurrences  of 
the  past  day.  Little  mcidents,  too  trifling 
perhaps  to  speak  about,  are  reviewed  and 
dwelt  upon  ;  virtuous  actions  which  have  been 
performed  win  the  approval  of  conscience, 
and  wanderings  from  duty  call  forth  feelings 
of  regret ;  pleasing  events  and  painful  trials 
have  each  a  share  in  our  pensive  musings : 
varied  indeed  are  the  scenes  which  one  day's 
panorama  brings  before  our  view.  And  then 
we  generally  glance  at  the  future.  We  arrange 
our  plans  for  the  coming  day :  we  look  for- 
ward with  glad  expectance  to  the  joys  which 
are  in  store  for  us ;  or  we  shrink  in  fear  and 


THE   REVIEW   OF   LIFE.  13 

despondency  from  the  troubles  which  seem 
associated  with  the  morrow :  and  will  not 
your  thoughts,  aged  reader,  thus  chiefly  di- 
vide themselves  into  retrospection  and  anti- 
cipation ? 

Retrospection.  "  Thou  shalt  remember  all 
the  way  which  the  Lord  thy  God  led  thee  these 
forty  years  in  the  wilderness."  *  Old  age  is 
the  most  appropriate  season  for  this  consider- 
ation of  the  past.  The  judgment  is  not  so 
likely  to  be  warped  by  the  heat  of  excitement, 
nor  the  feelings  to  be  swayed  by  the  influence 
of  passion,  as  in  youthful  days.  The  veteran, 
as  he  recalls  the  battle-field,  can  mark  events, 
and  form  opinions,  far  more  advantageously 
than  the  soldier  who  is  engaged  in  the  midst  of 
an  action.  Contemplate,  then,  your  whole  life, 
from  the  dawn  of  infancy  to  its  present  de- 

*  Deut.  viii.  2. 
2 


14  life's  evening. 


cliiie ;  trace  out  the  many  windings  of  your 
pathway  through  the  world;  survey  each 
minute  feature  of  your  changeful  history. 

But  is  it  pleasant  to  look  back  ?  Are  there 
not  many  places  in  our  pilgrimage  where 
memory  dislikes  to  linger  ?  are  there  not  many 
facts  in  life's  early  records  which  we  feel  hap- 
pier in  forgetting?  True,  the  remembrance 
of  our  imperfections  and  our  sins  is  painful 
and  self-condemning ;  yet  it  is  always  best  to 
open  one's  eyes  to  the  truth.  Enter,  then, 
into  a  full  and  faithful  examination  of  your 
past  history.  Scrutinize  your  motives  by  the 
tests  with  which  God's  word  furnishes  you  ; 
and  try  your  conduct  by  his  holy  law.  Let 
neither  pride  nor  prejudice  hide  the  real  state 
of  things  from  your  view.  How  important  is 
it  that,  on  the  confines  of  eternity,  you  should 
be  kept  from  self-deception !     Ask  God  himself 


THE  REVIEW   OF  LIFE.  15 

to  be  your  teacher.  Make  this  your  prayer, 
"  Search  me,  0  God,  and  know  my  heart : 
try  me,  and  know  my  thoughts :  and  see  if 
there  be  any  wicked  way  in  me,  and  lead  me 
in  the  way  everlasting."  * 

What  then  is  the  result  of  your  investiga- 
tion ?  What  verdict  does  conscience,  enlight- 
ened from  above,  give  concerning  the  past  ? 
It  may  be,  nay,  it  must  be,  that  you  find 
enough  in  your  recollections  to  overwhelm 
you  with  sorrow  and  confusion.  So  much 
selfishness  and  worldliness  have  mingled  with 
your  brightest  deeds ;  so  much  unfaithfulness 
has  been  connected  with  your  professed  alle- 
giance to  Christ ;  so  much  impurity  of  heart 
and  defilement  of  life  are  discovered  by  your 
rigid  self-inspection,  —  that  you  are  ready  to 
exclaim  with  the  Psalmist,  "  Enter  not  into 

*  Ps.  cxxxix.  23. 


16  life's  evening. 

judgment  with  thy  servant,  0  Lord  :  for  in  thy 
sight  shall  no  man  living  be  justified."  *  Or 
perhaps  your  reflections  on  the  past  have  con- 
vinced you  that  you  have  hitherto  been  living 
without  God  and  without  Christ  in  the  world ; 
that  you  have  been  so  absorbed  with  the  trifles 
of  earth  as  to  have  forgotten  the  attractions  of 
heaven ;  that,  although  a  responsible  being, 
and  liable  to  be  summoned  at  any  moment  to 
your  final  account,  you  have  gone  carelessly 
on  in  the  ways  of  sin,  and  have  disobeyed  the 
commands  of  the  Most  High. 

The  retrospect,  in  either  case,  is  humbling. 
Yet  it  leads  to  hope,  and  peace,  and  salvation. 
Both  to  the  troubled  Christian  and  the  penitent 
sinner,  the  cheering  annunciation  of  the  Gos- 
pel is,  "  The  blood  of  Jesus  Christ  cleanseth  us 
from  all  sin."  f     "  Believe  on  the  Lord  Jesus 

*  Ps.  cxliii.  2.  t  1  John  i.  7. 


THE   REVIEW   OF  LIFE.  17 

Christ,  and  thou  shalt  be  saved."  *  Then, 
"  Though  your  sins  be  as  scarlet,  they  shall 
be  as  white  as  snow ;  though  they  be  red  like 
crimson,  they  shall  be  as  wool."  f  "  Come 
unto  me,  all  ye  that  labor  and  are  heavy 
laden,  and  I  will  give  you  rest."  J  Full  and 
free  forgiveness  is  offered  to  all  who  seek  it  at 
his  cross.  Cast  yourself,  with  all  your  sins, 
however  great  their  number,  or  aggravated 
their  guilt,  at  the  Saviour's  feet,  saying, 
"  Lord,  save  me :  I  perish !  "  and  his  gracious 
response  will  be,  "  Thy  sins  are  forgiven ;  — 
go  in  peace."  § 

Let  the  sorrowful  and  self-abasing  remem- 
brance of  your  iniquity  make  Christ  in  your 
estimation  increasingly  precious.  Your  sin  is 
the   dark  background  which  throws  his  love 

*  Acts  xvi.  31.  t  Matt.  xi.  28. 

t  Isa.  i.  18.  §  Matt.  viii.  25 ;  Luke  vii.  48,  50. 

2*  B 


18  life's  evening. 


and  his  atonement  into  strong  relief.  1  "Without 
fhis  sacrifice  and  intercession,  how  dark  would 
V  be  life's  evening !  Not  one  star  of  hope  would 
illumine  the  sky ;  not  one  ray  of  gladness 
would  beam  on  your  spirit.  But  now  the  light 
of  the  knowledge  of  the  glory  of  God  in  the 
face  of  Jesus  Christ  casts  a  lovely  and  softened 
radiance  on  all  around  you  and  before  you. 
0,  as  you  behold  by  faith  the  Lamb  of  God 
which  taketh  away  the  sin  of  the  world,  as 
you  thankfully  recognize  in  him  your  gracious 
Mediator  and  ever-prevalent  Intercessor,  can 
you  not  exclaim,  with  the  aged  and  rejoicing 
sinner,  "  Lord,  now  lettest  thou  thy  servant 
depart  in  peace  :  for  mine  eyes  have  seen  thy 
salvation?"* 

But  the  consideration  of  the  past  should  not 
only  awaken  penitence,  it  should  excite  grati- 

*  Luke  ii.  29. 


THE  REVIEW  OF  LIFE.  19 

tude.  You  have  been  wonderfully  preserved 
from  many  dangers  ;  you  have  been  safely 
guided  through  many  difficulties  ;  you  have 
been  continually  enriched  with  numberless 
blessings.  Surely  goodness  and  mercy  have 
followed  you  all  the  days  of  your  life.  Recall 
some  of  the  multiplied  proofs  which  you  have 
had  of  God's  tender,  parental  care  over  you. 
It  would  be  impossible  to  recount  every  in- 
stance of  his  goodness  towards  you,  for  mem- 
ory, always  imperfect,  is  now  sadly  impaired ; 
but  "forget  not  all  his  benefits."  Each  com- 
fort which  you  have  enjoyed  through  life  came 
from  his  beneficent  hand  ;  each  impulse  to 
good,  and  each  resistance  to  evil  which  you 
have  felt,  was  through  the  impartation  of  his 
grace.  Can  you  not  heartily  acknowledge  the 
truthfulness  of  that  charge  which  the  dying 
servant  of  the  Lord  pressed  home  upon  the 


20  life's  evening. 


Israelites  around  him  ?  "Ye  hiow  that  not 
one  thing  hath  failed  of  all  the  good  things 
which  the  Loi^d  your  God  spake  concerning 
you  ;  all  are  come  to  pass,  and  not  one  thing 
hath  failed  thereof."*  0  yes  !  every  aged 
believer  will  testify  to  the  faithfulness  of  God 
in  the  fulfilment  of  his  promises.  You  can 
look  back  to  several  points  in  your  history, 
where,  but  for  the  interposition  of  God's 
providence,  or  the  aid  of  his  Spirit,  you 
must  have  been  overwhelmed  by  temptation 
and  sorrow.  Many  have  been  the  occasions 
when  you  have  had  to  set  up  your  stone  of 
remembrance,  and  to  confess  that  hitherto  the 
Lord  hath  helped  you.  Even  as  to  your  tri- 
als, you  can  see  now,  with  regard  to  some  of 
them  at  least,  that  they  were  "  blessings  in 
disguise ; "   and  you  are  sure  that  they  were 

*  Joshua  xxiii.  14. 


THE  REVIEW   OF  LIFE.  21 

all  sent  for  some  wise  and  loving  purpose. 
With  what  grateful  emotions,  then,  should 
your  recollections  of  bygone  days  be  accom- 
panied ! 

And  should  not  gratitude  for  past  mercies 
be  combined  with  Iwpe  for  future  favors  and 
deliverances  ?  "He  thanked  God  and  took 
courage."*  When  you  think  of  the  increased 
weakness,  and  perhaps  suffering,  which  you 
have  yet  to  bear ;  of  the  inevitable  separation 
between  yourself  and  those  whom  you  love, 
which  will  soon  take  place ;  of  the  valley  of  the 
shadow  of  death  through  which  you  must  pass, 
and  of  the  solemn  moment  when  your  spirit 
shall  depart  from  this  world; — natural  feeling 
shrinks  from  the  scene  before  you.  "  Cast  me 
not  off  in  the  time  of  old  age,"  is  the  language 
of  your  heart ;  "  forsake  me  not  when   my 

*  Acts  xxviii.  15. 


22  life's  evening. 

strength  faileth."*  Hearken  to  the  immediate 
reply  of  the  God  of  your  salvation  :  "I  will 
never  leave  thee,  nor  forsake  thee."t  Fear 
thou  not ;  for  I  am  with  thee  :  be  not  dis- 
mayed ;  for  I  am  thy  God :  I  will  strengthen 
thee ;  yea,  I  will  help  thee ;  yea,  I  will  uphold 
thee  with  the  right  hand  of  my  righteous- 
ness."! 

All  !  you  can  read  these  assurances  in 
the  page,  not  of  inspiration  only,  but  of 
experience.  You  can  infer  with  certainty, 
from  God's  conduct  in  past  days,  what  its 
complexion  will  be  in  future  moments.  He 
is  the  same  yesterday,  to-day,  and  forever ; 
and  therefore  in  the  loving-kindness  which  he 
has  hitherto  manifested  towards  you,  you  have 
the  surest  pledge  of  the  continual  exercise  of 
his  power  and  goodness.     He  hath  delivered ; 

*  Ps.  Ixxi.  9.  t  Heb.  xiii.  5.  J  Isa.  xli.  10. 


THE   EEVIEW   OF   LIFE.  23 

he  dotli  deliver  ;  in  whom  you  trust  that  he 
will  yet  dehver.  "  The  God  who  hath  fed 
you  all  your  life  long,"  is  your  God  for  ever 
and  ever  ;  and  he  will  be  your  guide  even 
unto  death. 

Anticipation. — Looking  back  should  be  com- 
bined with  looking  forward.  The  weary  pil- 
grim who  recalls  with  mingled  sorrow  and 
gladness  the  events  which  have  occurred  dur-- 
ing  his  journey  will  also  think  of  the  rest 
and  the  welcome  which  wait  for  him  in  his 
happy  home.  The  Christian  traveller,  as 
evening  is  closing  in  around  him,  and  the 
objects  of  earth  are  fading  from  his  gaze, 
loves  to  let  his  imagination  dwell  upon  the 
many  mansions  in  his  Father's  house,  where 
a  place  is  being  prepared  for  him. 

"  A  little  while,  and  every  fear 
That  o'er  the  perfect  day 


24 


Flings  shadows  dark  and  drear, 

Shall  fade  like  mist  away ; 
The  secret  tear,  the  anxious  sigh. 

Shall  pass  into  a  smile ; 
Time  changes  to  eternity,  — 

We  only  wait  a  little  while." 

The  morning  of  joy  is  close  at  hand ;  the 
things  which  are  not  seen  and  eternal  are 
every  moment  drawing  nearer  to  you  ;  the 
promised  inheritance,  incorruptible,  undefiled, 
and  never  fading,  will  soon  be  actually  yours. 
Meditate  on  the  glory  which  shall  presently  be 
revealed.  Consider  how  perfect  in  its  nature, 
and  how  perpetual  in  its  duration,  is  the  hap- 
piness which  God  has  provided  for  you  in  his 
everlasting  kingdom. V^n  eminent  minister 
who  was  spending  an  afternoon  with  some 
Christian  friends  was  observed  to  be  unusu- 
ally silent.  On  being  roused  from  his  reverie 
by  a  question  which  was  addressed  to  him,  he 


THE    REYTEW   OF    LIFE.  25 

said  that  he  had  been  absorbed  in  the  con- 
templation of  eternal  happiness.  "  0,  my 
friends  !  "  he  exclaimed,  with  an  energy  which 
arrested  the  attention  of  all  present,  "  think 
what  it  is  to  be  forever  with  the  Lord;  for- 
ever, forever,  forever  ! " 

But  is  the  prospect  of  heaven  thus  attrac- 
tive to  you  ?  Have  you  any  true  sympathy 
with  its  joys  ;  any  congeniality  of  spirit  with 
its  bright  inhabitants?  You  of  course  hope, 
when  you  die,  to  go  to  heaven ;  the  most 
thoughtless  and  worldly-minded  characters 
hope  that :  not  because  they  aspire  after  more 
intimate  communion  with  God  and  closer  con- 
formity to  his  image,  but  because  they  asso- 
ciate the  idea  of  happiness  with  heaven  ;  and 
it  is  the  instinctive  desire  of  their  nature  to 
wish  to  be  happy.  But  unless  we  are  made 
meet  for  the  inheritance  of  the  saints  in  light, 

3 


26  life's  evening. 


the  enjoyments  of  heaven,  were  we  allowed  to 
be  there,  would  be  positively  distasteful  to  us. 
The  imjust  and  the  unholy  would  be  unjust 
and  unholy  still,  and  in  a  world  of  perfect 
truth  and  purity  would  find  no  source  of 
satisfaction.  A  clergyman  was  conversing 
with  an  intelligent  woman  in  his  parish,  who 
was  ill  and  dying.  After  he  had  ceased  talk- 
ing to  her,  she  said  with  an  expression  of 
much  distaste,  "  If  heaven  be  such  a  place  as 
you  describe,  I  have  no  wish  to  go  there." 
Such  an  avowal  may  seem  unnatural,  but  it 
would  be  the  confession  of  every  unsanctified 
heart,  if  men  seriously  considered  the  charac- 
ter of  celestial  happiness.  The  songs  of  the 
redeemed  cannot  change  the  heart,  nor  the 
glory  of  the  heavenly  city  transform  the  spirit. 
What  fellowship  can  light  have '  with  dark- 
ness ? 


THE  EEVIEW  OF   LIFE.  27 

Aged  reader,  rest  not  satisfied  with  anything 
short  of  a  true  preparation  for  everlasting  bhss. 
It  is  easy  to  bear  the  name  of  Christian.  But, 
without  "hoHness,"  no  man  shall  see  the 
Lord.*  "  Except  a  man  be  born  again,  he 
cannot  see  the  kingdom  of  God."  f 

How  shall  you  attain  this  preparation  ?  By 
simple  faith  in  Christ,  by  the  grace  of  the  Holy 
Spirit.  External  acts  of  devotion,  alms-giving, 
self-denial,  or  large  charitable  bequests,  cannot 
purchase  your  passport  for  heaven.  The 
righteousness  of  God,  which  is  unto  all  and 
upon  all  them  that  believe,  and  the  sanctifica- 
tion  of  the  heart  which  is  effected  by  the 
power  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  must  be  yours  before 
you  can  enter  into  everlasting  glory.  And 
they  may  be  yours,  — yours  now.  Put  your 
trust  in  that  Saviour  who  has  declared  he  will 

*  Heb.  xii.  14.  t  John  iii.  3, 


28  life's  evening. 


in  no  wise  cast  out  those  who  come  to  him  ; 
and  seek  for  the  gift  of  that  Holy  Spirit  which 
is  promised  to  all  who  earnestly  and  persever- 
ingly  ask  for  it ;  and  you  shall  have  everlasting 
life. 

But  it  is  possible  that  some  humble-minded 
and  timid  Christian  hesitates,  from  a  fear  of 
being  presumptous  and  self-deceived,  to  ap- 
propriate those  joys  which  are  at  God's  right 
hand.  Gladly  would  you  anticipate  the  mo- 
ment of  your  departure  hence,  could  you  be 
sure  that  an  abundant  entrance  would  be  min- 
istered unto  you  into  Christ's  kingdom.  But 
although  you  cling  to  the  Saviour  as  your 
only  hope  of  salvation,  and  are  anxiously 
striving  to  bring  forth  the  fruits  of  the  Spirit, 
you  cannot  rise  to  that  happy  confidence 
which  many  Christians  feel  in  the  prospect  of 
eternity.     You  cannot  echo  their  peaceful  and 


THE   REVIEW   OF   LIFE.  29 

unwayering  declaration,  "  We  know  that  if  our 
earthly  house  of  this  tabernacle  were  dissolved, 
we  have  a  building  of  God,  an  house  not  made 
with  hands,  eternal  in  the  heavens."  *  You 
are  like  the  pilgrims  on  the  Delectable  Moun- 
tains, whose  hands  shook  so  that  they  could 
not  look  steadily  through  the  perspective  glass 
at  the  gate  of  the  celestial  city. 

Yet,  fear  not !  it  is  your  Father's  good  pleas- 
ure to  give  you  the  kingdom ;  the  promised 
possession  is  secured  to  you,  although  you  are 
unable  to  reahze  your  interest  in  it.  It  is  both 
your  privilege  and  your  duty  to  seek  earnestly 
the  "  assurance  of  hope  ;  "  but  remember,  for 
your  consolation  and  encouragement,  that  the 
weakest  believer  in  Christ  is  as  safe  as  the  most 
rejoicing  Christian.  Keep  your  eye  fixed  upon 
your  Saviour  ;    strive  to  follow  in  his  steps : 

*  2  Cor.  V.  1. 
3* 


30  life's    evening. 


use  with  constancy  and  diligence  the  means 
of  grace  which  he  has  provided ;  and  you 
shall  eventually  attain  to  that  perfect  peace 
which  casteth  out  fear.  "At  evening  time 
it  shall  be  light."  * 

For  happy  are  those  whose  hope  is  clear, 
whose  faith  is  strong,  and  who,  in  the  con- 
sciousness that  the  time  of  their  departure  is 
at  hand,  can  look  to  the  past  and  to  the  future, 
and  meekly  but  confidently  affirm  with  "  Paul 
the  aged,"  "  I  have  fought  a  good  fight,  I  have 
finished  my  course,  I  have  kept  the  faith: 
henceforth  there  is  laid  up  for  me  a  crown  of 
righteousness."  f  Joyful  assurance !  Bright 
anticipation!  Well  may  such  aged  believers 
have  an  ardent  desire  to  depart,  and  to  be  with 
Christ;  well  may  they  long  for  that  rapidly 
approaching  hour  when  he  shall  present  them 

*  Zech.  xiv.  7.  t  2  Tim.  iv.  6. 


THE    REVIEW  OF    LIFE.  31 

faultless  before  the  presence  of  their  God  with 
exceeding  joy. 

//  The  evening  of  life  !  Evening  is  the  time 
for  prayer.  Then  the  lisping  babe  folds  its 
little  hands  and  utters  its  simple  words  of  sup- 
plication and  thanksgiving ;  then  the  pious 
family  assemble  round  the  domestic  altar ;  then 
the  thoughtful  Christian  retires  into  his  closet, 
shuts  his  door,  and  prays  to  his  Father  who 
seeth  in  secret.  The  comparative  quietude 
which  exists  in  the  world  around  him,  and  the 
repose  which  spreads  itself  over  the  face  of 
nature,  seem  to  soothe  the  spirit  of  the  wearied 
believer,  and  to  invite  him  to  calm  and  hal- 
lowed intercourse  with  his  Maker. 

And  should  not  life's  evening  thus  tranquil- 
lize and  elevate  his  feelings  ?  Private  prayer, 
the  delight  and  duty  of  all  who  have  been 
taught  of  God,  is  an  employment  peculiarly 


32  life's  evening. 

appropriate  to  the  aged  Christian.  Compelled 
to  relinquish  the  active  occupations  of  former 
days  ;  unable  to  read  much  even  of  the  best  of 
books;  and  frequently  deprived,  perhaps,  of 
the  long-valued  ministrations  of  the  sanctuary, 
how  thankfully  does  he  retain  the  inestimable 
privilege  of  pouring  out  his  heart  in  secret 
before  God,  and  of  holding  sweet  converse 
with  his  Heavenly  Father.  "  I  can  very  sel- 
dom talk  or  read  now,"  said  a  venerable  ser- 
vant of  God,  whose  days  were  almost  num- 
bered ;  "  but,"  he  added,  as  a  happy  smile 
lighted  up  his  withered  features,  "  I  can  pray. 
In  my  weakest  moments,  without  opening  my 
lips,  I  can  make  known  my  requests  unto  God, 
and  praise  him  for  his  never-changing  good- 
ness towards  me." 

Let  the  evening  of  your  life  be  much  devot- 
ed to  prayer ;  for  at  the  close,  no  less  than  at 


THE   REVIEW  OF  LIFE.  33 

the  commencement  of  your  Christian  experi- 
ence, you  are  entirely  dependent  upon  Al- 
mighty succor.-  Go  therefore  with  boldness 
to  the  throne  of  grace,  that  you  may  still 
obtain  mercy,  and  find  grace  to  help  you  in 
every  time  of  need.*  Old  age  has  its  especial 
wants  and  trials ;  but,  "  Ask,  and  it  shall  be 
given  you,"  f  is  the  inscription  which  is  ever 
written  over  the  mercy-seat.  Implore  that 
strength  which  you  require  in  order  that  you 
may  cheerfully  bear  God's  will  now  ;  that  sup- 
port which  you  will  need  in  the  hour  of  death, 
when  heart  and  flesh  shall  fail ;  that  consola- 
tion and  guidance  which  you  desire  to  have 
imparted  to  those  whom  you  must  leave  be- 
hind in  a  world  of  grief  and  danger.  He,  who 
is  able  to  do  exceeding  abundantly  above 
all   that    you   can   ask    or   think,    will    hear 

*  Heb.  iv.  16.  t  Matt.  vii.  7. 

c 


34  life's  evening. 

and  answer  your  feeble  but  heart-felt  peti- 
tions. 

The  evening  of  life  !  Have  these  words  a 
melancholy  sound  ?  They  tell,  it  is  true,  that 
the  bright  sunshine  of  youth  and  manhood  is 
past;  that  the  health  and  the  energy  which 
impelled  our  steps  in  the  path  of  usefulness 
and  renown  have  departed  ;  that  the  night  of 
death  will  soon  gather  round  us,  when  we 
must  close  our  eyes  upon  all  that  is  loved  and 
lovely  here. 

But  are  these  facts  unwelcome  to  the  Chris- 
tian ?  Nay,  are  they  not  rather  the  incentives 
of  his  hope,  and  his  joy?  Long  a  stranger 
and  a  pilgrim  upon  earth,  do  they  not  assure 
him  that  he  is  now  on  the  borders  of  that 
country  which  he  has  so  earnestly  been  seek- 
ing? The  worldling  may  mourn  over  the 
flowers  which  have  withered  in  his  grasp  ;  but 


THE   REVIEW   OF   LIFE.  35 

the  Christian  has  a  treasure  laid  up  in  heaven, 
and  his  heart  is  there  also.  The  orphan  spirit 
may  shrink  from  the  prospect  of  an  unknown 
eternity  ;  but  the  child  of  God  cannot  but  re- 
joice in  the  thought  of  soon  going  home. 

The  evening  of  life !  Aged  Christian ;  an 
everlasting  morning  will  soon  dawn  upon  your 
redeemed  and  perfected  spirit.  "  Now  is  your 
salvation  nearer  than  when  you  believed."  * 
Mark  with  thankfulness  the  shadows  of  even- 
ing as  they  deepen  around  you,  for  they  are 
the  necessary  precursors  of  the  coming  day. 
Calmly  and  trustingly  as  an  infant  that  slum- 
bers on  its  mother's  bosom,  you  will  soon 
"  sleep  in  Jesus,"  to  awake  in  that  purer  and 
happier  world,  which  has  "  no  need  of  the  sun, 
neither  of  the  moon,  to  shine  in  it;  for  the 
glory   of  God  doth  Hghten  it,  and  the  Lamb 

*  Eom.  xiii.  11. 


36 

life's  evening. 

is   the 

light  thereof."*     "Absent 

from   the 

body," 

you  will  at  once  be  "  present  with  the 

Lord ; 

'  t  you  will  "  behold  his  face  in  right- 

eousness  ;  "   you  will  "  be  satisfied, 

when  you 

awake. 

with  his  likeness."  $ 

^-^"  : 

/  ^  Rev. 

xxi.  23.               t  2  Cor.  v.  8.              J 

Ps.  xvii.  15. 

* 

# 

i>\t  %eJr   Cljristm 


Q   jj^  spring  and  summer  time  of  life  have  long  since 

passed  away, 
And  golden  autumn,  with  its  leaves  of  sadness  and 

decay, 
Has  come  and  gone ;  and  winter  shrouds  each  lovely 

scene  in  gloom, 
And  bids  me  mark  across  my  path  the  shadows  of 

the  tomb. 

Mine  eye  is  growing  dim  with  age,  my  step  is  feeble 

now. 
And  deeper  lines  of  thought  and  care  are  graven  on 

my  brow; 
4 


38 

life's  evening. 

But 

shall  I  murmur  as  I  trace  the  rapid  flight  of 

hours, 

Or  grasp  with  trembling  eagerness  earth's  fair  yet 

fading  flowers  ? 

0   no  !    a    bright   and   happy   home   awaiteth    me 

above, 

And 

my  ardent  spirit  longs  to  dwell  where  all  is  joy 

and  love. 

Does  the  wave-tossed  mariner  regret  when  he  sees 

the  haven  near 

Where  his  shattered  bark  shall  safely  rest,  nor  storm 

nor  danger  fear  ? 

Will 

the   toil-worn  laborer  sigh  because  his  weary 

task  must  close, 

And 

evening's  peaceful  shades  afford  him  calm  and 

sweet  repose  ? 

THE   AGED   CHRISTIAN.  39 

Or  does  the  child  with  sorrow  mark  each  swift  re- 
volving mile, 

Which  bears  him  to  his  cherished  home  and  loving 
father's  smile  ? 


And  shall  the  Christian  grieve  because  some  gentle 

signs  are  given 
That  he  is  nearer  to  the  bliss,  the  perfect  bliss  of 

heaven  ? 
That  every  moment  closer  brings  that  mansion  fair 

and  bright. 
Prepared  for  him  with  tender  love  in  realms  of  pure 

delight  ? 


0,  with  such  brilliant  hopes  as  these,  how  can  my 

heart  repine, 
Although  I  feel  my  vigor  fade,  my  wonted  strength 

decline  ? 


40  life's  evening. 


Rather  with  gladness  would  I  hail  these  messages  of 

love, 
Which  tell  me  I  shall  quickly  join  the  white-robed 

throng  above. 

My  pilgrimage  will  soon  be  o'er,  my  arduous  race  be 

run, 
And  the  bright  crown  of  victory  triumphant  faith 

have  won. 
No   sorrow  clouds  the  land  of  rest,  hushed  is  the 

thought  of  pain : 
0,  if  for  me  to  Hve  is  Christ,  to  die  indeed  is  gain ! 


C0O  #Ib  k  k  Isjful. 


^^  %%l^dl^  it  is  a  pleasant  sight  to  see  young 
^^^^  people  actively  engaged  in  doing 
good,"  said  an  old  lady,  as  she  watched  from 
her  parlor  window  some  of  her  grandchildren 
setting  forth  on  their  weekly  errands  of  mercy 
to  the  poor  and  afflicted. 

Yes;  it  was  a  pleasant  sight  to  look  upon 
these  youthful  Christians,  full  of  health  and 
energy,  devoting  their  time  and  their  talents 
to  the  service  of  God,  and  the  welfare  of  their 
fellow-creatures;  and  yet  the  old  lady  sighed 
as  she  finished  her  sentence,  and  did  not  seem 
quite  comfortable.  "Why  ?  Listen  to  what 
she  is  saying  now. 

4* 


42  life's    evening. 


"  All,  /  was  once  as  busy  as  any  of  them. 
I  could  take  a  class  in  the  Sunday  school,  and 
visit  the  poor,  and  collect  for  the  missionary 
society ;  but  now  I  am  forced  to  be  idle  and 
useless.  My  strength  and  my  senses  are  grad- 
ually forsaking  me  ;  and  I  am  but  a  worn-out 
and  unprofitable  servant.  But  come,  I  must 
not  complain ;  I  have  had  my  share  in  these 
good  works  in  bygone  days,  and  I  must  be 
content  to  lie  by  now,  and  let  others  labor; 
for  I  am  too  old  to  be  of  any  use." 

Was  the  old  lady  right  ?  She  meant  what 
she  said,  and  she  meant  well.  She  was  trying 
to  bear  with  patience  and  resignation  her 
unavoidable  exclusion  from  the  charitable 
engagements  of  her  young  relatives  ;  but  old 
people  as  well  as  young  sometimes  have  mista- 
ken ideas ;  and  it  is  possible  that  the  old  lady 
was  not  quite  so  clear   upon  the  ^ttl^ect  of 


TOO   OLD   TO  BE   USEFUL.  43 

Christian  usefulness  as  we  should  like  our 
readers  to  be. 

It  is  true  that  the  aged  cannot  work  in 
God's  vineyard  as  they  used  to  do  before  in- 
firmity or  ill-health  disabled  them  for  active 
service,  but  still  they  are  not  too  old  to  be 
useful. 

Too  old  to  be  useful!  Such  words  are  a 
libel  upon  their  character,  —  an  insult  to  their 
capabilities.  It  cannot  be  that  any  Christian 
is  continued  upon  earth,  who  has  not  some- 
thing to  do  as  well  as  to  suffer  for  his  Master. 
Look  at  the  closing  days  of  the  venerable  Eliot, 
the  first  missionary  to  the  American  Indians. 
On  the  day  of  his  death,  when,  in  his  eightieth 
year,  he  was  found  teaching  the  alphabet  to  an 
Indian  child  at  his  bedside,  "Why  not  rest 
from  your  labors  now  ?  "  said  a  friend.  "  Be- 
cause,'jMpid  the  venerable  man,  "I  have  prayed 


44 


to  God  to  make  me  useful  in  my  sphere,  and 
lie  has  heard  my  prayer ;  for  now  that  I  can 
no  longer  preach,  he  leaves  me  strength 
enough  to  teach  this  poor  child  this  alphabet." 

Eighty  years  of  age  and  bedridden!  Who 
after  this  can  plead  their  inability  to  do  good  ? 
Who  will  not  rather  gather  up  their  remaining 
time  and  talents,  and  devote  them  to  God's 
service  ?  Like  the  widow's  mite,  your  offering 
may  seem  poor  and  small ;  you  are  almost 
ashamed  to  cast  it  into  the  treasury ;  but  bring 
it  without  hesitation,  —  nay,  with  gladness ; 
what  could  you  give  more  ?  it  is  your  all;  and 
your  feeble  efforts  will  meet  with  kind  and  gra- 
cious acknowledgment  from  a  loving  Saviour, 
who  said,  "  She  hath  done  what  she  could !  "  * 

0,  it  is  so  delightful  to  labor  for  Christ, 
that    the    true-hearted   Christian  would  fain 

*  Mark  xiv.  8.  "^^ 


TOO    OLD   TO    BE   USEFUL.  45 

keep  on,  as  Eliot  did,  to  the  last.  The  late 
Rev.  John  Campbell,  of  Kingsland,  went  one 
morning  to  attend  an  early  committee  meeting 
of  a  religious  society.  On  his  way  up-stairs 
he  found  an  old  friend,  remarkable  for  his 
devotedness  to  the  cause  of  Christ,  leaining  on 
the  balustrade  which  led  to  the  room,  and  un- 
able to  proceed  from  a  difficulty  of  breathing. 

"  What !  are  you  here,  Mr.  T.  ?  How  could 
you  venture  in  your  state  of  health?  You 
have  attended  our  meetings  for  a  long  time, 
and  you  should  now  leave  the  work  for 
younger  men." 

His  friend  looked  up  with  a  cheerful  smile, 
and  replied  with  characteristic  energy,  "  0 
Johnny,  Johnny,  man,  it  is  hard  to  give  up 
working  in  the  service  of  such  a  Master !  " 

How  cheering  then  is  the  thought  that 
the  aged  have  still  opportunities  of  usefulness 


46 


afforded  them!  Suppose  we  remind  our 
readers  of  a  few  ways  in  which  they  have  it 
in  their  power  to  benefit  others. 

Well,  some  of  you,  perhaps,  who  cannot 
walk  about  and  visit  your  neighbors,  might 
send  them  a  little  tract  or  book  occasionally. 
A*  person  dies  in  your  street,  —  a  child  is  born 
in  the  next  house,  —  a  worldly  family  opposite 
are  in  trouble,  —  a  gentleman  has  met  with  an 
accident,  —  a  grocer's  shop  is  open  on  the 
Sunday;  —  all  these,  and  many  others,  are. 
occasions  when  "  a  little  messenger  of  mercy  " 
might  speak  "  a  word  in  season."  Listen  to 
jthe  following  fact, 
"f  A  man  who  was  keeper  of  one  of  the  locks 
on  the  Grand  Junction  Canal  lived  for  many 
years  apparently  without  any  religious  feehngs. 
He  possessed  much  personal  kindness,  and  had 
been    the    means    of  saving  at  least  twelve 


TOO    OLD    TO    BE   USEFUL.  47 

persons  from  a  watery  grave,  some  of  whom 
had  plunged  into  the  stream  m  seasons  of 
frantic  sorrow.  In  the  summer  of  1841,  poor 
Matthew  met  with  a  severe  accident,  and  was 
removed  to  the  London  Hospital.  After  he 
had  been  there  a  few  days,  he  received  a  letter 
by  post  —  of  which  the  following  is  a  copy  — 
enclosing  a  tract  entitled  "  To-day  :  "  — 

"  You  have  suffered  greatly,  my  friend ; 
your  poor  body  calls  for  help  and  sympathy, 
and  in  the  hospital  you  are  mercifully  attended 
to,  as  you  could  not  be  at  home.  How  is  it 
with  your  precious  soul  ?  Are  you  fit  to  die  ? 
Had  your  sufferings  caused  instant  death, 
where  would  your  soul  have  been?  "Where, 
my  friend  ?  Where  ?  In  heaven,  or  in  hell  ? 
Do  think  of  this  inquiry,  and  read  the  tract  I 
enclose,  or  get  some  one  to  read  it  to  you. 
Do    not    neglect    this  friendly  warning,   but 


48  life's  evening. 


attend  to  it  while  it  is  yet  with  you  called 
'  To-day.'  0,  what  a  mercy  you  were  spared 
yet  a  little  longer !  may  it  be  for  the  salvation 
of  your  precious  soul.  The  Lord  Jesus  is  able 
and  willing  to  save  all  who  feel  their  need  of 
his  salvation.  Pray,  then,  afflicted  friend,  for 
the  Holy  Spirit  to  show  you  your  need  of 
mercy,  and  of  the  precious  blood  of  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ  to  cleanse  you  from  your  sins, 
and  to  obtain  your  acceptance  with  God.  The 
tract  was  written  by  a  gentleman  seventy 
years  old.  May  the  Lord  make  it  a  blessing 
to  your  soul.  He  is  able  and  willing  to  save 
you  from  going  to  hell,  and  willing  to  pre- 
pare you  for  the  holiness  and  happiness  of 
heaven.  —  Farewell." 

There  was  no  signature  to  the  letter ;  it 
bore  the  "  Stroudwater "  postmark,  but  Mat- 
thew knew  no  one  residing  there.     However, 


TOO   OLD   TO   BE  USEFUL.  49 

the  perusal  of  the  letter  induced  him  to  read 
the  tract ;  the  Holy  Spirit  blessed  it  to  his 
conversion ;  and  he  became  a  consistent  Chris- 
tian. He  wished  very  much  that  he  could 
find'  out  who  had  sent  him  the  tract ;  and  a 
kind  friend,  to  whom  this  interesting  fact  was 
mentioned,  thought  that  he  knew  the  person 
from  whom  it  came.  He  wrote  accordingly, 
and  received  the  following  note,  which  proved 
that  his  conjecture  was  right :  — 

"My  dear  Sir,  —  It  was  in  hours  of  weak- 
ness, and  during  a  long  detention  from  the 
house  of  the  Lord,  that  I  was  directed  one 
Sabbath  day  to  write  the  letter  to  which  you 
refer  to  poor  Matthew.  It  used  to  be  a  saying 
with  myself,  to  myself,  on  doing  any  such 
thing,  '  Well,  I  have  cast  one  grain  more  of 
the  good  seed  of  the  kingdom  into  the  field 
of  the  world ;  that  world  which  still  lieth  in 

5  D 


50  life's  evening. 


wickedness.'  I  bless  the  Lord  he  permitted 
me  to  cast  in  that  grain,  and  I  praise  him  still 
more  that  he  caused  it  to  germinate,  and  bring 
forth  fruit.  Glory  be  to  his  holy  name  that 
he  has  seen  fit  to  glorify  the  riches  of  his 
grace  in  the  salvation  of  a  soul,  by  means  in 
themselves  so  weak  and  poor.  When  I  re- 
ceived the  supply  from  London,  of  which  that 
tract  formed  one,  I  selected  a  number  of  that 
description  for  the  purpose  of  enclosing  in 
letters  (now  in  these  days  of  penny-postage 
blessedness,  in  which  in  almost  every  letter 
we  write  we  can  proclaim  the  glad  tidings  of 
mercy  by  inserting  an  eight-paged  tract), — 
and  among  others,  poor  Matthew  received  one. 
Surely  it  would  have  been  a  shorter  journey 
from  Paternoster  Eow  to  the  London  Hospital ; 
but  in  this  case  it  seemed  needful  that  it 
should  go  from  London  to  the  country,  and 


TOO   OLD   TO   BE   USEFUL.  51 

back  again  to  town,  to  reach  the  object  for 
which  it  was  designed.  Several  other  such 
grains  have  been  cast  into  the  field  of  the 
world.  0  that  it  may  please  the  Lord  to  cause 
them  to  be  fruitful  also ! " 

Now,  reader,  let  the  example  of  this  pious 
invalid  win  you,  in  some  measure,  to  follow  it. 
It  does  not,  you  see,  require  much  money, 
much  talent,  much  influence,  or  much  strength 
to  be  useful.  A  few  kind  words  written,  or  a 
good  tract  enclosed  to  an  acquaintance,  or 
even  to  a  stranger,  may  be  the  appointed 
channel  through  which  God's  grace  shall  flow 
into  their  souls.  "  Cast  thy  bread  upon  the 
waters:  for  thou  shalt  find  it  after  many 
days."  * 

Then  there  is  the  influence  which  you  may 
exert  over  children  and  young  persons.     Not 

*  Eccles.  xi.  1. 


52  life's  evening. 


by  fault-finding,  or  selfish  requirements,  or 
sarcastic  observations ;  but  by  kind  words, 
persuasive  advice,  and  affectionate  treatment. 
Your  little  grandchildren,  pr  your  elder  neph- 
ews and  nieces,  as  they  cluster  round  your 
cheerful  fireside,  may  drink  in  many  a  gentle 
lesson  which  shall  guide  them  in  after  years. 
If  you  have  not  any  youthful  relatives,  you 
can  cultivate  the  acquaintance  of  the  children 
of  your  friends  and  neighbors.  It  is  a  lovely 
sight  to  see  age  and  youth  sweetly  blending 
together :  age  tempering  the  gayety  of  youth, 
and  youth  brightening  the  gra^dty  of  age. 
The  ivy  adorns  the  oak ;  and  the  oak  supports 
the  ivy.  "  But  young  people,"  you  may  say, 
"  are  so  self-willed  and  conceited  ;  they  think 
they  are  as  wise  as  old  folks."  It  is  often  too 
true ;  bnt  bear  with  them ;  we  have  all  been 
young  in  our  time ;  and  it  is  astonishmg  how 


TOO  OLD   TO   BE  USEFUL.  53 

grateful  even  the  most  independent  among 
them  are,  for  a  real  and  warm-hearted  interest 
in  their  welfare.  You  may  influence  them 
strongly,  if  you  are  only  kind  in  purpose,  and 
judicious  in  practice. 

Sympathize  with  them  in  their  joys  and 
their  sorrows.  Show  them  that  increase  of 
years  does  not  necessarily  blunt  the  feelings 
or  narrow  the  affections  ;  that  the  pilgrim  who 
has  almost  reached  his  welcome  and  long- 
expected  resting-place  does  not  forget  or 
despise  those  who  have  but  lately  set  out  on 
their  toilsome  journey.  Speak  to  them  of 
your  own  experience  of  actual  life;  of  the 
mental  and  moral  discipline  which  you  have 
endured  ;  of  the  difficulties  in  the  path  of  duty 
which  you  have  met  and  conquered;  of  the 
comfort  which  has  sustained  you  in  the  hour 
of  trial  and  bereavement.     Simple  facts  are 

5* 


54  life's  evening. 

more  impressive  than  mere  advice.  Quietly 
but  deeply  they  sink  into  the  memory,  arous- 
ing no  opposition,  exciting  no  argument;  in 
time  of  need  they  will  be  remembered  and 
turned  to  good  account.  You  may  thus  be 
the  honored  instrument  of  guiding  some  way- 
ward and  careless  heart  to  true  peace  and 
happiness  ;  of  imparting  right  principles  which 
shall  steer  some  perplexed  spirit  across  the 
rough  sea  of  temptation ;  of  forming  the  char- 
acter of  those  who  are  destined  in  coming 
years  to  exercise  great  moral  power  over  their 
fellow-creatures.  You  may  not  —  you  will 
not  —  live  to  behold  those  happy  results  of 
your  patient  and  prayerful  efforts;  but  when 
those  who  die  in  the  Lord  rest  from  their 
labors,  their  works  follow  them.  An  aged 
man  carefully  planted  several  fruit-trees  in  his 
garden,  that  they  might  grow  up  for  the  use 


TOO   OLD   TO   BE  USEFUL.  b5 

and  benefit  of  posterity ;  so  may  you  cast  into 
human  hearts  that  precious  seed  which  will 
germinate,  and  spring  forth,  and  bless  the 
world,  long  after  you  have  departed  to  your 
rest.  The  destiny  of  future  generations  may 
be  linked  with  your  Christian  endeavor  to 
gather  one  youthful  friend  into  the  fold  of  the 
Saviour.  God  grant  that  you  may  fully  appre- 
ciate and  fulfil  your  pecuhar  mission  to  the 
young. 

But  perhaps  the  best  way  in  which  the  aged 
Christian  —  ay,  and  any  Christian  —  can  bene- 
fit others,  is  by  the  purity  and  loveliness  of 
his  example.  You  cannot  now  do  much,  or 
say  much,  .for  the  good  of  your  fellow-crea- 
tures; but  "nothing  speaks  so  loudly  as  the 
silent  eloquence  of  a  holy  and  consistent  life  ; " 
nothing  exercises  such  gentle  and  yet  such 
powerful  influence  over  the  mind  as  the  exam- 


56  life's  evening. 


pie  of  one  whom  we  love  and  respect.     It  is  a 
practical  and  perpetual  sermon. 

Look  into  that  quiet  and  half-darkened 
room.  In  the  large  easy-chair  sits  an  aged 
lady.  She  is  confined  by  constant  indisposi- 
tion to  her  house,  —  to  her  apartment;  nay, 
even  to  her  chair,  for  she  cannot  move  herself 
without  assistance.  Her  friends  are  forbid- 
den to  see  her,  as  the  least  excitement  proves 
injurious ;  and  therefore  a  skilful  nurse  and 
a  loving-hearted  daughter  are  her  only  asso- 
ciates. But  she  does  not  wish  for  society; 
incessant  pain  renders  her  unable  to  converse 
much,  and  the  exertion  of  speaking  but  a 
few  words  fatigues  her  sadly.  Poor  lady !  the 
days  have  indeed  come  in  which  she  has  no 
pleasure  ;  the  grasshopper  is  become  a  burden ; 
desire  has  failed ;  and  fears  are  in  the  way. 
Her  life  has  been  a  life  full  of  good  works ; 


TOO   OLD   TO   BE  USEFUL.  57 

and  now,  withdrawn  forever  from  her  loved 
occupations,  she  must  solace  herself  with  the 
beautiful  thought, 

"  They  also  serve  who  only  stand  and  wait." 

It  is  a  beautiful  thought ;  she  knows  its  truth ; 
she  feels  its  preciousness  ;  her  daily,  constant 
prayer  is,  "  Thy  will  be  done."  Yet  you  must 
not  imagine  that  her  career  of  usefulness  has 
ended ;  that  it  found  its  termination  in  that 
sick-room.  No  ;  in  that  limited  sphere,  during 
that  lingering  illness,  she  has,  perhaps,  done 
more  good  than  you  or  I  have  effected  in  our 
lifetime.  How  ?  That  kind  servant  who  waits 
upon  her  has  lately  grown  thoughtful  and 
pious ;  and  she  traces  the  happy  change  in 
her  views  and  in  her  feelings  to  the  sweet 
example  of  her  dear  mistress ;  not  to  her 
counsels,  not  to  her  persuasions,  but  to  her 
example.      She   witnessed  her    patience,   her 


58  life's  evening. 

fortitude,  her  serenity,  her  faith  in  Christ, 
her  readiness  to  depart;  and  she  felt  how 
valuable  that  religion  must  be  which  could 
give  such  peace  in  life,  such  hope  in  death. 
She  determined,  with  God's  help,  to  make  that 
religion  her  own ;  and  now  her  mistress's  last 
hours  are  cheered  by  the  delightful  knowledge 
that  her  grateful  attendant  has  chosen  that 
good  part  which  shall  not  be  taken  away  from 
her. 

Glance  now  inside  that  lowly  almshouse. 
There  dwells  a  venerable  man,  whose  snow- 
white  locks,  bended  frame,  and  tottering  steps 
are  plain  indications  that  his  physical  energies 
are  rapidly  declining.  Is  he  too  old,  or  too 
infirm,  to  be  useful  ?  Almost,  so  far  as  active 
service  is  concerned,  for  he  is  both  palsied  and 
half  blind ;  but  the  light  of  his  example  shines 
brightly  still,  and  sheds  a  holy  radiance  on  all 


TOO   OLD  TO   BE   USEFUL.  59 

who  come  within  its  reach.  His  upright  con- 
duct, his  cheerful  demeanor,  his  kind  feelings, 
and  his  heaven-like  spirit,  are  perpetual  living 
lessons  to  his  neighbors  and  friends.  More 
than  one  thoughtless  visitor  has  left  his  humble 
abode  with  the  impression,  "  "Well,  there  is 
such  a  thing  as  real  religion ;  I  wish  I  were  as 
good  and  as  happy  as  that  old  man  is."  And 
many  wavering  or  weary  Christians  have  been 
strengthened  for  their  earnest  conflict  through 
the  remembrance  of  the  simple  faith  and  de- 
votedness  of  this  aged  servant  of  God. 

Does  your  life,  your  example,  thus  influence 
others  for  good?  Are  you  an  epistle  known 
and  read  of  all  men  ?  Does  your  character 
and  conduct  commend  the  religion  of  Christ  ? 
Is  it  your  daily  endeavor  to  "  adorn  "  as  well 
as  profess  the  doctrine  of  God  your  Saviour  ? 
Every  Christian  should  look   well  to  his  ex- 


60 


amjDle ;  it  effects  far  more  than  liis  words, 
however  well  chosen  and  well  expressed  those 
words  may  be.  But  especially  should  the  aged 
believer  be  careful  to  let  his  light  shine  brightly 
and  steadily  before  men:  because,  his  sphere 
of  usefulness  being  limited,  he  should  make 
the  most  of  those  means  which  are  still  within 
his  reach ;  and  because  soon,  very  soon,  "  the 
night  Cometh,"  and  then  his  opportunities  on 
earth  will  be  closed  for  ever. 

There  is  one  other  way  that  we  must  not 
overlook,  in  which  the  aged  Christian  may 
advance  Christ's  kingdom  in  the  world,  and 
that  way  is,  intercessory  prayer.  Weak  and 
infirm,  you  may  be  unable  to  converse  about 
religion  ;  poor,  perhaps,  in  this  world's  riches, 
it  is  not  in  your  power  to  relieve  the  wants 
of  the  needy ;  but  amidst  your  feebleness 
and  your  poverty  you  can  shut  your  door, 


TOO    OLD    TO    BE   USEFUL.  61 

and  pray  to  your  Father  who  seeth  in  secret. 
You  can  implore  his  succor  for  the  distressed  ; 
his  sympathy  for  the  sorrowful ;  his  aid  for 
the  helpless  ;  his  instruction  for  the  ignorant ; 
his  pardon  for  the  sinful ;  his  grace  for  the 
undeserving.  You  can  plead  AYitli  him  on 
behalf  of  the  heathen  at  home  and  the  hea- 
then abroad.  You  can  supplicate  his  blessing 
both  for  the  queen  upon  her  throne,  and 
the  peasant  in  his  cottage.  You  can  beseech 
him  to  guide  into  the  way  of  truth  those 
who  have  erred  and  are  deceived,  and  to 
have  mercy  upon  all  men.  Abraham  inter- 
ceded for  Sodom ;  Job,  for  his  children  ;  Moses, 
for  the  Israelites;  Jacob,  for  his  grandsons; 
the  disciples,  for  their  persecuted  brethren; 
the  Apostle,  for  his  beloved  converts.  Catch 
their  spirit ;  follow  in  their  steps ;  add  to 
their  success.     "  The  effectual  fervent  prayer 

6 


62  life's  evening. 

of  a  righteous  man  availeth  much."  *  It  is 
impossible  to  tell  how  richly  the  healthful 
dew  of  God's  grace  may  rest  upon  parched 
and  barren  hearts ;  or  how  appropriately  the 
gifts  of  his  providence  may  be  vouchsafed  to 
the  abodes  of  penury  and  want,  through  the 
instrumentality  of  those  heart-felt  petitions 
which  you  offer  at  the  throne  of  grace.  Eter- 
nity alone  will  fully  disclose  the  blessings 
which  have  been  linked  with  intercessory 
prayer. 

Aged  Christian!  mourn  not  that  your  op- 
portunities of  usefulness  are  so  few ;  rather 
rejoice  that  you  are  still  permitted  to  have 
a  place  among  the  laborers  in  Christ's  vine- 
yard. Your  department  is  a  retired  one ; 
your  employment  is  easy ;  but  your  path  is 
marked  out  for  you  by  the  Master  whom  you 

*  James  v.  16. 


TOO   OLD   TO  BE   USEFUL.  63 

serve.  In  wise  considerateness  he  appoints 
to  each  laborer  his  position  and  his  duties ; 
and  to  all  who  honestly  perform  the  work 
which  he  assigns  —  be  it  great  or  be  it 
small  —  he  will  address  those  gracious  words 
of  commendation,  "  Well  done,  good  and 
faithful  servant:  enter  thou  into  the  joy  of 
thy  Lord."* 

Yet  you  cannot  but  sigh  sometimes  when 
you  reflect  how  little  you  are  really  able  to 
do  for  the  honor  of  God,  and  the  good  of 
your  fellow-men ;  your  best  services  are  so 
imperfect,  your  holiest  efforts  are  so  defiled. 
As  life  advances,  you  grow  better  acquainted 
with  your  own  motives,  and  more  enlightened 
respecting  God's  character  and  will;  and  the 
inevitable  result  is,  that  you  are  humbled 
under  the  increasing    consciousness   of  your 

*  Matt.  XXV.  23. 


64  life's  evening. 

sinfulness  and  your  failures.  0  if  you  could 
but  serve  God  as  you  desire  to  do !  How  un- 
wearied, bow  unselfisb,  bow  unlimited  would 
be  your  joyful  obedience ! 

Wait  awbile,  and  your  longings  sball  be 
satisfied.  In  beaven  tbere  will  be  no  feeble- 
ness to  retard  your  efforts,  no  imperfection 
to  sully  your  actions.  '^  His  servants  sball 
serve  liim."  *  "Witbout  one  difficulty  or  de- 
fect, tbey  sball  fulfil  bis  varied  bebests,  and 
do  bis  will.  And  as  angels  are  now  minister- 
ing spirits  for  tbe  beirs  of  salvation,  it  is  not 
improbable  tbat  glorified  Cbristians  will  be 
frequently  engaged  on  some  errand  of  love 
to  God's  intelligent  creatures.  How  welcome 
is  tbis  idea  to  tbose  wbo  feel  balf  sorry  wben 
tbey  consider  tbat  tbeir  work  on  eartb  is  so 
near  its  close ! 

*  Rev.  xxii.  3. 


®Ije  ^rombeir  Stong% 


^/jt  our  progress  through  the  wilderness  to 
^  the  land  of  promise,  we  meet  with  numer- 
ous difficulties,  and  are  subjected  to  various 
trials.  We  are  soldiers,  and  must  fight  the 
good  fight  of  faith;  —  we  are  pilgrims,  and 
must  " go  forward"  in  the  midst  of  danger;  — 
we  are  servants,  and  must  implicitly  obey  our 
Master's  will;  —  we  are  cliildren,  and  must 
neither  despise  the  chastening  of  our  Father, 
nor  faint  when  we  are  rebuked  of  him ;  —  we 
are  candidates  for  a  crown  of  glory,  and  must 
run  with  patience  the  race  which  is  set  before 
us.     There  are  duties  to  perform ;  temptations 


QQ  life's  evening. 


to  overcome ;  propensities  to  subdue ;  and 
sorrows  to  bear:  which  press  heavily  upon 
our  sjDirits.  Our  conflict  is  long;  our  cross 
is  wearisome ;  it  is  through  much  tribulation 
that  we  are  slowly  passing  to  our  rest. 

We  must  "  be  strong,"  therefore,  "  and  of 
good  courage,"  if  we  would  manfully  perse- 
vere in  our  toilsome  path.  There  must  be 
no  hesitation,  —  no  indolence,  —  no  fear,  —  no 
self-indulgence ;  but  a  steady,  earnest,  patient 
continuance  in  well-doing. 

It  is  easy  to  say  this,  —  to  feel  this ;  the 
difficulty  is  to  act  up  to  it.  All !  we  are  so 
soon  daunted,  so  easily  defeated.  The  con- 
sciousness of  our  weakness,  and  the  remem- 
brance of  our  many  failures,  make  us  sigh 
over  the  past,  and  shrink  from  the  future. 
And  especially  as  old  age  creeps  on,  and 
bodily  and  mental  infirmities  increase,  do  we 


THE   PROMISED   STRENGTH.  67 

feel  painfully  sensible  of  the  inadequacy  of 
our  natural  strength  to  sustain  spiritual  con- 
flict, or  to  endure  physical  suffering.  We 
sometimes  fear  lest  in  coming  seasons  of  trial 
we  should  prove  unequal  to  the  contest. 

It  is  well,  in  every  period  of  the  Christian 
life,  to  have  a  right  estimate  of  our  own 
strength.  The  advanced  believer  is  as  unable 
by  his  own  power  to  defend  himself  from  sin 
and  sorrow,  as  the  youthful  Christian.  But 
to  each  —  and  with  peculiar  force  to  the 
aged  pilgrim  whose  lengthened  experience  and 
deepened  humility  make  him  so  distrustful 
of  self —  the  promise  comes  of  Almighty  help 
and  succor.  "As  thy  days,"  says  the  God 
of  Israel,  "so  shall  thy  strength  be."*  In 
every  moment  of  need,  "  Fear  thou  not ;  for 
I  am  with  thee:  be  not  dismayed;  for  I  am 

*  Deut.  xxxiii.  25. 


68  life's  evening. 


thy  God."*  When  difficulties  and  dangers 
arise  in  your  path,  let  not  the  thought  of 
your  own  weakness  and  insufficiency  dis- 
courage you,  for  "  I  will  strengthen  thee ;  yea, 
I  will  help  thee  ;  yea,  I  will  uphold  thee  with 
the  right  hand  of  my  righteousness."  f  "  With- 
out me  you  can  do  notMng;"$  but,  "My 
grace  is  sufficient  for  thee:  for  my  strength 
is  made  perfect  in  weakness."  § 

Take  courage,  aged  Christian,  as  you  listen 
to  these  cheering  assurances  of  the  most  high 
God ;  and  rejoice  that  he  is  able  to  "  supply  all 
your  need  according  to  his  riches  in  glory  by 
Christ  Jesus."  ||  For  remember,  the  strength 
which  his  promises  guarantee  to  you  is  ade- 
quate strength.  "  As  thy  days,  so  shall  thy 
strength  be ; "    the   one   fully   commensurate 

*  Isa.  xli.  10.  t  Isa.  xli.  10.  |  John  xv.  5. 

§  2  Cor.  xii.  9.  ||  Philip,  iv.  19. 


THE   PROMISED   STRENGTH.  69 

with  the  other.  Your  present  necessities,  and 
your  future  wants,  might  well  fill  you  with 
distress  and  apprehension,  did  not  God  stand 
engaged  to  prepare  you  for  every  emergency, 
and  to  sustain  you  under  every  burden. 
But  since  the  omnipotent  Creator  has  pledged 
himself  to  furnish  his  people  with  whatever 
spiritual  energy  they  require  in  their  per- 
petual conflict,  you  may  gratefully  exclaim 
with  the  Psalmist,  "  The  Lord  is  my  rock, 
and  my  fortress,  and  my  deliverer ;  my  God, 
my  strength,  in  whom  I  will  trust."  *  Yes ; 
"  trust  in  him  at  all  times,"  "  for  in  the  Lord 
Jehovah  is  everlasting  strength."  Let  no 
misgivings  disturb  your  mind  as  you  think 
of  approaching  and  augmented  trials ;  for 
with  the  increased  demand  for  strength,  you 
may  confidently  calculate  upon  an  increased 

*  Ps.  xviii.  2. 


70  life's  evening. 


supply.  Now  you  are  looking,  perhaps,  at 
some  great  trouble  in  the  distance,  and  you 
are  feeling  as  if,  when  it  arrives,  you  must 
sink  under  it.  Ah,  you  are  estimating  your 
power  of  endurance  then  by  what  it  is  now ; 
you  are  supposing  that,  with  your  present 
weakness,  you  are  summoned  to  a  more  ar- 
duous encounter  than  you  have  hitherto  met 
with,  and  you  are  mournfully  anticipating  an 
inevitable  failure.  But  do  you  not  perceive 
that  your  conclusion  is  drawn  from  wrong 
premises  ?  You  will  not  have  to  grapple  with 
increased  difficulties,  before  you  are  able  to 
surmount  them.  God  will  never  call  you  to 
the  fulfilment  of  any  duty,  nor  the  endurance 
of  any  trial,  without  having  first  provided 
for  you  sufficient  strength  for  the  occasion. 

But  the  promised  strength  is  daily  strength. 
"  As  thy  days^  so  shall  thy  strength  be."     You 


THE     PROMISED     STRENGTH.  71 

must  not  expect  to  have  a  large  stock  on  hand 
which  will  last  yon  for  a  long  time ;  nor 
endeavor  to  make  the  strength  of  to-day  suffice 
for  the  wants  of  to-morrow  ;  but  in  every  fresh 
period  of  conflict  and  suffering  you  must  seek 
for  fresh  strength  from  above.  You  cannot 
live  upon  past  supplies,  but  you  may  safely 
rely  upon  present  and  future  succor.  The 
spiritual  aid  which  you  require  will  always  be 
vouchsafed  at  the  right  time.  Each  day,  each 
season  of  renewed  solicitude,  will  bring  with  it 
its  own  appointed  strength.  It  may  be  that 
you  are  advanced,  not  m  years  only,  but  also 
in  Christian  experience  ;  still  you  must  depend 
as  perpetually  and  as  entirely  now  upon  the 
help  of  God,  as  you  did  at  the  commencement 
of  your  religious  life.  Day  by  day,  hour  by 
hour,  moment  by  moment,  you  must  trust  in 
him,  and  look  to  him. 


72  life's  evening. 

And  the  strength  which  he  grants  to  his 
children  is  appropriate  strength.  "  As  thy 
days,  so  sliall  thy  strength  be."  The  days  of 
the  spiritual  life  are  as  varied  as  the  days  of 
the  natural  life.  Sometimes  they  are  bright 
with  hope  and  prosperity  ;  sometimes  they  are 
dark  with  disappointment  and  sorrow.  Tliere 
are  days  when  our  path  lies  through  green  and 
flowery  meadows ;  and  there  are  days  when 
our  road  is  through  a  tangled  forest,  or  along 
the  edge  of  a  precipice.  At  one  time  we  have 
to  toil  up  the  Hill  Difficulty ;  at  another,  to 
fight  our  way  through  the  Valley  of  the 
Shadow  of  Death.  Now  there  is  a  beautiful 
adaptation  in  God's  grace  to  the  diversified 
circumstances  of  his  people's  history.  Have 
you  not  found  it  to  be  so,  dear  reader  ?  Have 
you  not  felt  in  your  times  of  need,  that  there 
was  an  exact   minuteness   in   God's   gracious 


THE    PROMISED    STRENGTH.  73 

dealings  with  you ;  that  there  was  a  delicate 
adjustment  in  the  bestowal  of  his  varied  gifts  ? 
Expect  the  same  considerateness  in  his  con- 
duct still.  Believe  that  the  strength  which  he 
prepares  for  you  is  suitable,  as  well  as  suffi- 
cient. 

What  day  is  it  with  you  now  ?  The  day  of 
physical  infirmity  ?  Is  your  health  declining, 
your  energy  abating,  your  faculties  one  by  one 
becoming  impaired?  Is  yours  the  day  so 
graphically  described  by  the  royal  preacher, 
"  when  the  keepers  of  the  house  shall  tremble, 
and  the  strong  men  shall  bow  themselves,  and 
the  grinders  cease  because  they  are  few,  and 
those  that  look  out  of  the  windows  be  dark- 
ened;—  when  they  shall  be  afraid  of  that 
which  is  high,  and  fears  shall  be  in  the  way, 
and  the  almond-tree  shall  flourish,  and  the 
grasshopper  shall  be  a  burden,  and  desire  shall 
7 


7-i  life's  evening. 


fail  ? "  *  Then  remember  God's  promise, 
"  Even  to  lioar  hairs  will  I  carry  you."  f 
Carry  you, — not  leave  you  to  bear  up  as  you 
best  can  tmder  the  burden  which  old  age 
brings  with  it,  but  uphold  you  with  his  own 
everlasting  arm.  He  will  help  you  to  endure 
with  cheerfulness  and  resignation  the  pain 
which  is  occasioned  by  the  decay  of  nature. 

Is  it  the  day  of  mental  depression  ?  The 
infirmities  and  sufferings  of  the  body  often 
affect  the  mind.  They  cast  a  gloom  over  the 
spirits,  and  throw  a  shadow  over  our  prospects. 
"  Our  mind  is  like  a  stained  or  clouded  glass, 
which  mars  the  hue  of  what  is  bright,  and 
deepens  what  is  sombrous."  "We  are  discom- 
posed and  disheartened  by  trifles ;  we  are 
frightened  at  shadows.  All  around  us,  and 
before   us,  looks    dark    and  gloomy.      Well, 

*  Eccles.  xii.  3-5.  f  Isa.  xlvi.  4. 


THE   PROMISED    STRENGTH.  75 

there  is  One  who  knoweth  our  frame,  and 
remembereth  that  we  are  dust;  and  he  can 
support  and  strengthen  our  disturbed  and 
fearful  spirits.  We  need  not  be  ashamed  to 
disclose  to  him  our  mental  weakness ;  he  feels 
for  us  all,  nay,  more  than  a  father's  tender- 
ness ;  for  as  one  whom  liis  mother  comforteth, 
so  will  he  comfort  us.  "  He  giveth  power  to 
the  faint ;  and  to  them  that  have  no  might  he 
increaseth  strength."* 

Is  it  the  day  of  spiritual  conflict  ?  Are  you 
sore  let  and  hindered  in  your  endeavors  to 
press  toward  the  mark  for  the  prize  of  the 
high  calling  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus  ?  Do  your 
unseen  enemies  seem  to  increase  ?  are  their 
assaults  more  malignant  ?  and  is  your  own 
heart  inclined  to  yield  to  temptation  ?  The 
great  adversary  of  mankind  is  sometimes  per- 

*  Isa.  xl.  29. 


76  life's  evening. 


mitted  to  attack  with  unusual  violence  the 
sovil  of  the  aged  Christian.  Sins  which  the 
believer  imagined  were  long  since  subdued, 
rise  up  as  it  were  into  new  life  ;  thoughts  and 
feelings  utterly  at  variance  with  his  renewed 
mind  seem  almost  forced  upon  him ;  and  the 
fiery  darts  of  the  wicked  one  are  hurled  at  him 
without  intermission.  Is  this  painful  experi- 
ence yours?  Be  not  alarmed  or  discouraged 
by  it.  God  is  faithful,  and  he  will  not  suffer 
you  to  be  tempted  above  that  which  you  are 
able  to  bear ;  but  he  will  strengthen  you  for 
your  last  struggle  with  a  disappointed  and 
already  vanquished  foe.  Clad  in  the  panoply 
which  God  provides  for  you,  and  furnished 
with  those  weapons  which  through  him  are 
mighty  to  repel  and  overcome  your  spiritual 
enemies,  you  shall  be  enabled  to  stand  in  the 
evil  day,  and  having  done  all  to  stand.     It  is 


THE  PROMISED  STRENGTH.  77 

true  you  are  weak,  but  his  strength  is  per- 
fected in  weakness  ;  it  is  true  your  infirmities 
are  many,  but  his  power  rests  upon  you.  Fear 
not;  look  to  the  Captain  of  your  salvation; 
follow  his  directions  ;  rely  upon  his  assistance, 
and  you  shall  at  last  be  "  more  than  con- 
queror through  him  that  loved  you."  * 

Is  it  the  day  of  temporal  distress  ?  Are  you 
poor  ?  in  want  of  the  necessaries  or  the  com- 
forts of  life  ?  incapable  of  supporting  yourself 
by  the  labor  of  your  hands,  and  obliged  to 
depend  on  the  charity  of  others  ?  Or  are 
those  dear  to  you  in  adversity?  are  you 
obliged  to  witness  sufferings  that  you  cannot 
alleviate,  and  to  hear  of  troubles  which  you 
can  neither  remove  nor  lighten  ?  Or  have  you 
been  bereaved  of  some  beloved  relative,  some 
cherished  friend,  with  whom  you  were  associ- 

*  Rom.  viii.  37. 

7* 


78 


ated  ill  the  closest  union,  and  to  whom  you 
looked  for  sympathy  and  affection  ?  Are  these, 
or  similar  afflictions,  the  crosses  wliich  you 
have  to  take  up  and  carry,  and  do  you  tremble 
beneath  their  weight?  Then  cast  your  bur- 
den upon  the  Lord,  and  he  will  sustain  you. 
He  will  strengthen  your  faith  to  believe  that 
these  mysterious  dispensations  are  necessary 
for  your  real  welfare  ;  he  will  strengthen  your 
love  to  receive  with  meekness  and  gratitude 
the  discipline  of  a  kind  and  tender  Father  ;  he 
will  strengthen  your  hope  to  anticipate  those 
glorious  thmgs  which  are  unseen  and  eternal, 
and  to  reckon  your  present  sufferings  as  un- 
worthy of  a  moment's  comparison  with  "the 
glory  which  shall  be  revealed."  * 

But  there  is  one  day  rapidly  approaching 
when    you    will    pre-eminently    require    the 

*  Eom.  viii.  18. 


THE   PROMISED    STRENGTH.  79 

succor  and  support  of  an  Almighty  hand, — 
the  day  of  death.  Ah !  that  is  a  solemn  day 
even  to  the  believer.  A  darkness,  a  mystery, 
rests  upon  our  last  conflict,  which  excites 
feehngs  of  seriousness  and  awe  in  all  thought- 
ful minds,  and  when  there  is  great  sensitive- 
ness of  temperament,  and  timidity  of  disposi- 
tion, the  Christian  often  shrinks  painfully  from 
the  contemplation  of  death,  and  through  fear 
of  it  is  perhaps  all  his  lifetime  subject  to  bon- 
dage. But  why  should  you  fear  the  approach 
of  the  last  enemy?  If  God  promises  that  t,s 
your  day  your  strength  shall  be,  surely  he  will 
make  that  promise  good  in  the  day  of  your 
mortal  agony.  When  you  pass  through  the 
dark  valley  he  will  be  with  you ;  his  rod  and 
staff  will  guide  and  comfort  you.  When  heart 
and  flesh  shall  faint  and  fail,  he  will  be  the 
strength  of  your  heart  and  your  portion  forever. 


80  life's  evening. 


A  young  Christian  once  said  to  a  minister, 
"Although  I  trust  implicitly  in  the  Saviour, 
and  rejoice  in  him  as  mine,  yet  I  look  upon 
death  as  very  terrible."  At  that  time  she  was 
in  perfect  health.  The  reply  was,  "  Doubt  not 
that,  according  to  his  sure  word,  '  As  thy  days, 
so  shall  thy  strength  be  ; '  and  that  there  shall 
be  dying  grace  for  a  dying  day."  Not  long 
after,  mortal  sickness  seized  her ;  but  her 
peace  flowed  like  a  river ;  and  again  and  again, 
as  her  fond  mother  and  loving  sisters  watched 
by  her  bed  of  suffering,  did  she  exclaim,  "  0, 
how  true  do  I  find  the  assurance  given  me 
that  there  would  be  dying  grace  for  a  dying 
day!" 

"  Yes,  in  your  latest  moments,  when  with  death 
And  Satan  thou  must  struggle,  and  not  yield ; 
When  with  dim  eye,  and  qiiickly-heaving  breath, 
Thou  enterest  on  that  solemn  battle-field : 


THE  PROMISED   STRENGTH.  81 

Thy  Saviour  who  has  succored  thee  through  life, 
Will  nerve  thy  spirit  for  the  closing  strife ; 
Will  lead  thee  on  to  glorious  victory ; 
For,  as  thy  days  thy  strength  shall  surely  be." 

And  then  there  is  the  day  of  final  judgment. 
That  last  day,  when  all  the  dead  shall  be 
gathered  around  the  great  white  throne  of  the 
Eternal,  and  hear  from  his  lips  the  irreversible 
sentence  which  shall  fix  their  everlasting  des- 
tiny. 0,  the  unutterable  momentousness  of 
that  decision !  How  will  you  have  courage  to 
hsten  to  it?  How  will  you  stand  with  any 
calmness  before  that  awful  judgment-seat,  and 
hear  the  records  of  the  past,  and  the  awards 
of  the  future  ?  Ah,  strength  shall  be  given 
you  in  that  trying  hour,  —  strength  so  unfail- 
ing and  so  indomitable,  that  you  shall  meet 
without  fear  the  scrutiny  of  Him  who  is  of 
purer  eyes  than  to  behold  iniquity.     The  sweet 


82  life's  evening. 

assurance  will  then  be  yours,  that  to  those  who 
are  in  Christ  Jesus  there  is,  there  can  be,  no 
condemnation  ;  that,  clothed  in  the  robe  of  his 
righteousness,  and  sanctified  by  the  grace  of 
his  Spirit,  you  are  faultless  in  God's  sight. 
Who  shall  lay  anything  to  your  charge,  when 
God  himself  will  be  your  justifier  ? 

Thus  his  blessed  promise,  "As  thy  days, 
so  shall  thy  strength  be,"  will  never  fail. 
Through  life,  in  death,  and  before  the  judg- 
ment-seat, it  will  be  richly  fulfilled  in  your 
experience.  0,  the  comfort  of  feeling  sure 
that,  however  wearisome  and  difficult  the  path 
of  duty  or  of  suffering  may  prove,  God  will . 
impart  to  us  adequate  and  appropriate  strength, 
and  guide  us  in  safety  to  the  heavenly  Canaan  ! 

Dr.  Doddridge  was  walking  out  one  day  in 
a  very  depressed  state  of  mind.  His  trials 
were  at  that  time  peculiarly  heavy ;  he  saw  no 


THE   PROMISED   STRENGTH.  83 

way  of  deliverance  from  them,  and  he  was 
greatly  discouraged.  As  he  passed  along,  the 
door  of  a  little  cottage  was  standing  open,  and 
he  heard  a  child's  voice  reading  the  words, 
"  As  thy  days,  so  shall  thy  strength  be."  The 
effect  produced  upon  his  saddened  feelings 
was  indescribable ;  his  despondency  vanished, 
and  his  heart  was  filled  with  peace  and  joy. 

Yes,  one  simple  promise  from  God  is  enough 
to  chase  our  fears  and  cheer  our  hearts.  Our 
wants  and  weaknesses  are  many,  but  he  knows 
them  all,  and  is  both  able  and  willing  to  supply 
our  every  need.  Then  let  us  "  seek  the  Lord, 
and  his  strength ; "  *  let  our  earnest  and 
constant  petitions  at  the  throne  of  grace 
be,  "  Give  thy  strength  unto  thy  servant ; " 
"  strengthen  thou  me  according  unto  thy 
word."  f     For  it  is  they  who  wait  upon  the 

*■  Ts.  cv.  4.  t  Ps.  Ixxxvi.  16;  cxix.  28. 


84 


Lord  that  shall  renew  their  strength.  "  Wait," 
then,  "  on  the  Lord :  be  of  good  courage,  and 
he  shall  strengthen  thine  heart."  *  The  faith- 
fulness of  his  character  is  your  security  for  the 
fulfilment  of  his  promises ;  for,  "  The  Strength 
of  Israel  will  not  lie  nor  repent ; "  f  "  Hath 
he  said,  and  shall  he  not  do  it?  or  hath  he 
spoken,  and  shall  he  not  make  it  good  ? "  J 
And  his  conduct  to  his  people  in  past  days  is  a 
pledge  of  his  readiness  to  help  them  now ;  for 
he  is  "  the  same  yesterday,  and  to-day,  and 
forever."  §  He  has  been  a  strength  to  the 
poor,  —  a  strength  to  the  needy  in  his  distress ; 
and  he  is  our  refuge  and  strength,  a  very 
present  help  in  trouble. 

"  Let  us  therefore    come   boldly  imto   the 
throne  of  grace,  that  we  may  obtain  mercy, 

*  Ps.  xxvii.  14.  X  Num.  xxiii.  19. 

t  1  Sam.  XV.  29.  §  Heb.  xiii.  8. 


THE  PROMISED   STRENGTH.  85 

and  find  grace  to  help  in  time  of  need."* 
There  should  be  no  hesitation  on  our  part  to 
apply  for  the  strength  which  we  require,  for 
there  is  no  reluctance  on  God's  part  to  com- 
municate it.  In  his  hand  it  is  to  give  strength 
to  all.  A  sense  of  our  weakness,  and  a  cry  for 
his  aid,  is  the  only  prerequisite  for  its  bestowal. 
But  hoiv  is  this  strength  imparted?  It  is 
the  gift  of  God,  and  through  grace  is  laid  hold 
of  by  faith.  Faith  is  the  hand  which  grasps 
and  appropriates  the  promises,  and  thus  fills 
the  soul  with  an  all-sustaining,  all-conquering 
energy.  The  Holy  Spirit,  by  whom  all  spirit- 
ual blessings  are  bestowed,  brings  to  the 
Christian  just  the  strength  which  he  needs, 
and  teaches  him  to  embrace  it  by  faith.  That 
faith  may  be  weak:  but  its  efficacy  depends 
upon  the  reality,  not  the  degree  of  our  faith ; 

♦  *  Heb.  iv.  16. 

8 


88  life's  evening. 


and  therefore,  if  we  sincerely  trust  in  God, 
through  Christ,  we  may  assuredly  expect  that 
the  aid  which  we  look  for,  and  for  which  we 
supplicate,  will  be  granted  us.  Yet,  while  it 
is  true  that  the  smallest  amount  of  true  faith 
forms,  so  to  speak,  a  channel  through  which 
God's  grace  flows  into  our  hearts,  it  is  equally 
true  that  a  stronger  degree  of  faith  is  more 
honoring  to  God,  while  it  would  lead  us  to 
anticipate,  and  prepare  us  to  receive,  a  far 
greater  measure  of  heavenly  assistance  than 
we  now  possess.  "According  to  your  faith," 
says  the  Saviour,  "be  it  unto  you ; "  *  and 
therefore,  if  we  desire  to  run  without  weari- 
ness, to  walk  without  fainting,  and  to  mount 
up  with  wings  as  eagles  towards  our  rest 
above,  we  should  make  the  request  of  his 
disciples  our  own, "  Lord,  increase  our  faith."  f 

*  Matt.  ix.  29.  t  Luke  xvii.  5.      « 


THE  PROMISED   STRENGTH.  87 


7^ 


Your  "wanderings  in  the  wilderness," 
reader,  may  be  now  drawing  towards  a  close. 
It  will,  then,  not  be  long  before  you  will  be 
called  to  pass  over  the  river  Jordan,  that  you 
may  enter  the  promised  land.  Yet,  as  we 
have  seen,  new  trials  may  have  to  be  encoun- 
tered in  the  last  stages  of  your  lengthened 
and  perhaps  wearisome  journey.  There  is  no 
immunity  from  sorrow  until  you  reach  that 
blessed  country,  where  God  shall  himself  wipe 
away  all  tears,  and  give  you  that  fulness  of 
joy  which  is  inseparable  from  his  presence. 
But  remember,  aged  Christian,  the  promise, 
"As  thy  days,  so  shall  thy  strength  be,"  and 
hold  the  beginning  of  your  confidence  stead- 
fast unto  the  end.  As  you  think  of  the  even- 
ing of  life,  the  night  of  death,  and  the  solem- 
nities of  the  last  judgment,  resolve  with  the 
Psalmist,  "  I  will   go  in  the  strength  of  the 


life's  evening. 


Lord  God :  I  will  make  mention  of  thy  right- 
eousness, even  of  thine  only."  *  So  shall  you 
go  on  from  strength  to  strength,  until  you 
appear  in  Zion  before  your  God.f 

*  Ps.  Ixxi.  16.  t  Ps.  Ixxxiv.  7. 


%\t  ^iiipa  of  fife. 


foto  full  of  mystery  is  life ! 
A  troublous  and  bewildering  maze, 
A  night  with  but  few  guiding  rays, 
A  volume  with  enigmas  rife. 

The  wicked  thrive,  the  virtuous  meet 
With  poverty  and  cold  neglect ; 
Wealth  and  not  worth  insures  respect, 
And  folly  sits  in  wisdom's  seat. 

Like  puzzHng  hieroglyphics  seem 
The  characters  before  our  eye ; 
And  scenes  are  ever  passing  by. 
Strange  and  disordered  as  a  dream. 

8* 


90  life's  evening. 


Sorrow,  misfortune,  pain,  and  care. 
In  quick  succession  throng  our  path ; 
Loved  ones,  once  gathered  round  our  hearth, 
Are  seen,  alas !  no  longer  there. 

0  who  shall  solve  for  anxious  minds 
The  problems  which  this  life  suggests  ? 
Where  is  the  shrine  where  reason  rests, 
The  pole-star  which  the  spirit  finds  ? 

Faith  is  the  anchor  of  the  soul, 
It  hnks  us  to  the  world  above ; 
It  leads  us  to  the  God  of  love, 
Whose  hand  doth  all  events  control. 

He  will  evolve  —  we  know  not  how  — 
The  purest  good  from  every  ill ; 
Then,  like  wise  children,  to  his  will 
In  meek  submission  let  us  bow. 


THE   ENIGMA   OF   LIFE.  91 

The  past  is  dark,  the  future  dim ; 

A  tangled  web  the  present  seems : 

But  through  each  cloud  God's  promise  gleams, 

And  we  will  calmly  trust  in  him. 

Now  through  a  glass  we  darkly  see, 
And  therefore  fail  his  plans  to  trace ; 
But  when  we  meet  him  face  to  face, 
Unclouded  shall  our  vision  be. 

Then  knowledge  perfected  will  cast 
Its  radiance  o'er  this  earthly  sphere ; 
And  full  of  wisdom  will  appear 
The  intricacies  of  the  past. 


— N>@^<S£^^<K — 


^elf-lustifka&n. 


Gfi  C^ristiait  physician,  who  was  concerned 
©  for  the  spiritual  welfare  of  an  aged  rela- 
tive, addressed  to  her  the  following  letter.  He 
was  fearful  lest  she  should  imagine  that  her 
amiable  moral  qualities,  and  her  regular  at- 
tention to  religious  observances,  would  form 
a  passport  for  her  into  heaven ;  and  therefore 
he  wrote  her  a  plain  and  concise  exposition  of 
the  way  of  salvation.  Will  you  read  his  kind 
and  faithful  epistle,  as  if  it  were  addressed  to 
yourself? 

" And  now,  my  dear  old  friend,  how 

stand  you  disposed  for  the  other  world  ?  For 
at  the  age  of  eighty-six  your  time  necessarily 


SELF- JUSTIFICATION.  93 

draws  nigh.  I  hope  jou  are  deeply  convinced, 
with  the  heart  as  with  the  head,  that  it  will 
avail  you  less  than  a  straw  to  have  been  good 
to  your  neighbors ;  to  have  done  no  harm  to 
any  one ;  to  have  been  regular  and  attentive 
at  church ;  to  have  committed  no  great  crimes ; 
to  have  read  your  Bible  and  said  your  prayers 
regularly.  To  depend  on  these  things  would 
be  to  depend  upon  your  own  good  works. 
But  what  says  God  himself  on  this  subject  ? 
'  There  is  none  righteous,  no,  not  one  ;  there 
is  none  that  doetli  good,  no,  not  one.'*  So 
much  therefore  for  your  own  righteousness. 
The  explanation  of  this,  you,  I  hope,  know ; 
namely,  that  it  results  from  the  original  sin 
of  Adam,  whence  no  person  can  come  to 
God  of  himself,  '  because  the  carnal  mind  is 
enmity   against   God.'     What  then  is   God's 

*  Eora.  iii.  10,  12. 


94 


scheme  for  saving  lost  mankind  ?  You  know 
that  God  said  that  sin  should  be  punished: 
'  The  wages  of  sin  is  death.'  *  He  could  not 
therefore  refrain  from  punishing  it  without 
falsehood.  But  God,  you  know,  is  truth  itself. 
God,  however,  is  love  also ;  and  he  extended 
that  love  to  fallen  man,  notwithstanding  liis 
sin ;  for  he  designed  a  wonderful  plan  of  grace, 
by  which  his  justice  should  be  satisfied,  and 
yet  a  full,  free,  and  perfect  salvation  be  secured 
to  all  who  would  accept  it ;  namely, '  God  so 
loved  the  world,  that  he  gave  his  only  begotten 
Son,  that  whosoever  beheveth  on  him  should 
not  perish,  but  have  everlasting  life.'  f  That 
Son  suffered  agonies  in  the  garden  and  death 
on  the  cross,  which  were  '  a  full,  perfect,  and 
sufficient  sacrifice,  oblation,  and  satisfaction 
for  the  sins  of  the  whole  world.' 

*  Rom.  vi.  23.  f  John  iii.  16. 


SELF-JUSTIFICATION.  95 

"  But  how  can  you  get  at  this  salvation  ? 
for,  as  stated  above,  you  cannot  obtain  it  by 
any  works  or  merits  of  your  own.  He  gives 
it  as  a  free  gift  to  all  who  sincerely  desire  and 
pray  for  it.  '  Ho,  every  one  that  thirsteth, 
come  ye  to  the  waters,  and  he  that  hath  no 
money ;  come  ye,  buy,  and  eat ;  yea,  come, 
buy  wine  and  milk  without  money  and  without 
price.'  *  You  must,  therefore,  pray  for  the 
Holy  Spirit  to  enlighten  your  understanding, 
and  enable  you  to  see  that  you  have  '  no 
money '  and  '  no  price  ; '  in  other  words,  that 
your  own  righteousness  is  but  as  *  filthy  rags,' 
and  that  if  you  have  nothing  else  to  depend 
upon,  you  are  lost  forever.  This,  by  the  grace 
of  God,  will  induce  you  to  flee  fiv^m  the  wrath 
to  come.  You  will  then  take  refuge  in  the 
Saviour;  you   will   believe   in   him,  not  only 

*  Isa.  Iv.  1. 


96  life's  evening. 


with  your  head,  but  cordially  with  your  heart. 
You  will  receive  him  fully,  and  acknowledge 
him  as  '  your  Lord  and  your  God.'  *  This 
constitutes  what  is  called  faith  in  Christ, 
which  when  once  you  really  possess,  you  are 
from  that  moment  justified  before  God  by 
Christ's  righteousness  being  imj)uted  to  you  ; 
your  sins  are  forgiven ;  and  you  are  already, 
in  this  world,  a  child  of  God,  and  an  inheritor 
of  the  kingdom  of  heaven.  The  Apostle  Paul, 
speaking  of  believers,  says :  '  Ye  are  all  the 
children  of  God  by  faith  in  Christ  Jesus.'  f 
^The  just  shall  live  by  faith.' $  'We  have 
believed  in  Jesus  Christ,  that  we  might  be 
justified  by  the  faith  of  Christ,  and  not  by  the 
works  of  the  law :  for  by  the  works  of  the  law 
shall  no  flesh  be  justified.'  § 

*  John  XX.  28.  J  Gal.  iii.  11. 

t  Gal.  iii.  26.  §  Gal.  ii.  16. 


SELF-JUSTIFICATION.  97 

"  But  you  will  say,  Are  good  works  of  no 
use,  then  ?  Of  none  in  justifying  you  before 
God ;  but  after  you  are  justified  by  faith,  they 
are  indispensable  :  as  Christ  says, '  The  tree  is 
known  by  his  fruit.'  *  Unless,  therefore,  your 
tree  yield  fruit,  that  is,  good  works,  you  may 
rest  assured  that  your  tree  is  unsound ;  that 
is,  that  your  faith  is  not  genuine,  and  will  not 
save  you.  If  you  have  true  faith,  good  works 
will  be  your  enjoyment,  and  you  will  daily 
grow  in  holiness,  and  in  fitness  for  the  enjoy- 
ment of  God's  presence. 

"  What  a  blessed  and  easy  salvation  is  this  ! 
I  trust,  my  dear  old  friend,  that,  if  you  have 
any  dependence  on  yourself,  you  will  cast  it 
off,  and  be  constantly  praying  that  the  Holy 
Spirit  will  enable  you  to  have  genuine  saving 
faith  in  Christ.     Never  cease  or  despair,  for 

*  Matt.  xii.  33. 
9  G 


98  life's  evening. 


Christ  says,  '  Ask,  and  it  shall  be  given  you ; 
seek,  and  ye  shall  find  ;  knock,  and  it  shall  be 
opened  unto  you.'  * 

"  Now  I  must  say  farewell,  with  a  prayer 
that  this  letter  may  be  blessed  to  you.  I  write 
in  a  state  of  great  debility,  and  nay  only  reason 
for  writing  to  you  is,  that  you  may  have  all 
the  enjoyments  which  I  experience  from  faith 
in  Christ,  and  the  assurance  that  through 
God's  great  mercy  I  am  one  of  his  adopted 
children.     May  God  bless  you. 

"  Always  your  affectionate  NeiDhew." 

How  desirable  is  it  that,  on  the  brink  of 
eternity,  you  should  ascertain  whether  you 
are  prepared  to  meet  your  God !  If  your 
house  is  built  upon  the  treacherous  and  shift- 
ing sand,  it  is   surely  better  to   discover  its 

*  Matt.  vii.  7. 


SELF-JUSTIFICATION.  99 

insecurity  now,  than  to  wait  till  the  storm 
arises  which  will  sweep  it  away;  if  your 
expectation  of  everlasting  bliss  be  delusive 
and  temporary,  it  is  surely  better  to  let  it  go, 
than  to  cling  to  it  and  perish. 

You  hope  perhaps  to  reach  heaven  ;  what 
is  the  ground  of  your  confidence  ?  Are  you 
resting  on  yourself  or  on  Christ  ?  It  is  proba- 
ble, nay,  almost  certain,  that  you  will  reply, 
"  On  CMst,"  for,  as  a  matter  of  course,  people 
in  general  profess  to  depend  upon  his  merits ; 
but  all  the  time  the  real  foundation  of  your 
hope  may  be  your  own  good  desires,  your 
good  works,  and  your  good  feelings.  Ex- 
amine yourself,  whether  you  are  indeed  in 
the  faith.  It  is  easy  to  be  deceived  upon 
this  point.  It  is  easy  to  fancy  that  we  are 
right,  and  yet  to  be  entirely  wrong.  Self- 
righteousness  is  so   natural  to  us,  that  it  is 


100  life's  evening. 

not  without  the  greatest  difficulty  we  are  led 
to  renounce  it,  and  to  trust  simply  in  the 
righteousness  of  another.  For  to  do  this 
implies  that  we  have  nothing  of  our  own 
which  we  can  urge  as  a  plea  for  our  accept- 
ance in  God's  sight;  nothing  which  can  ex- 
tenuate our  past  guilt,  or  give  us  the  slightest 
claim  upon  his  favor  ;  and  it  is  very  humbling 
to  us  to  make  such  an  acknowledgment.  We 
are  willing  to  admit  that  we  have  done  much 
that  was  wrong;  that  we  have  not  been  so 
good  as  we  ought  to  have  been ;  that  we  are 
imperfect  and  erring  creatures,  and  need  to 
have  our  deficiencies  supplied  by  the  atone- 
ment of  Christ;— r but  we  are  very  unwilling 
to  own  that  our  whole  life  has  been  in  direct 
opposition  to  the  will  of  our  Maker ;  that  our 
best  actions  have  been  imperfect  or  mixed 
with  evil,  and  that  we  are  justly  exposed  to 


SELF-JUSTIFICATION.  101 

his  condemnation  and  disregard.  But  unless 
we  feel  our  true  characters  as  .sinners, — 
sinners  unable  to  make  any  satisfaction  for 
the  past,  —  how  can  we  appreciate  and  receive 
the  work  and  death  of  Christ  ?  How  can  we 
throw  ourselves  as  lost  and  undone  upon  the 
merciful  provision  which  he  has  made  for 
mankind,  when  we  secretly  do  not  believe 
that  we  are  in  ourselves  utterly  undeserving 
of  our  Maker's  forbearance,  and  utterly  unable 
to  bring  forward,  apart  from  the  atonement, 
one  reason  why  we  should  be  saved  ? 

Search,  then,  and  see  what  is  the  ground 
of  your  confidence  before  God.  A  mistake 
here  is  ruinous,  —  is  fatal.  Look  back  upon 
your  life :  how  does  it  appear  to  you  ?  You 
cannot  deny,  however  vague  may  be  your 
idea  of  sin,  that  you  have  in  innumerable 
instances   disobeyed  the   commands  of   God. 

9* 


102 


Now  he  has  solemnly  affirmed,  "  Cursed  is 
every  one*  that  continueth  not  in  all  things 
which  are  written  in  the  book  of  the  law 
to  do  them."  *  How  will  you  remove  his 
displeasure  ?  By  your  repentance  ?  But  what 
is  that  worth?  You  will  be  sorry  for  your 
sins  because  you  find  that  they  are  likely 
to  injure  your  eternal  happiness ;  you  will 
repent,  because  by  so  doing  you  hope  you 
shall  be  saved  and  reach  heaven:  are  such 
purely  selfish  motives  any  inducement  for  God 
to  forgive  you?  Besides,  allowing  that  your 
repentance  is  sincere  and  thorough,  can  re- 
pentance atone  for  sin  ?  can  it  satisfy  the 
claims  of  justice?  Does  the  sorrow  of  the 
criminal  withhold  the  execution  of  the  sen- 
tence of  the  law?  And  can  your  feeble 
regrets  over  the  past  set  aside  the  penalty 

*  Gal.  iii.  10. 


SELF- JUSTIFICATION.  103 

which  God  has  attached  to  every  transgres- 
sion,—  "The  soul  that  sinneth,  it  shall  die"?* 
It  is  impossible ;  do  not  delude  yourself  with 
a  false  hope.  God  cannot  overlook  or  suspend 
the  solemn  sanctions  which  he  has  given  to 
his  laws. 

But  you  are  perhaps  disposed  to  turn  from 
yoiu'  sins  to  your  virtues,  and  to  urge  them 
in  your  own  behalf.  You  think  there  is  much 
that  is  commendable  in  your  personal  history. 
You  have  been  amiable  and  kind  and  char- 
itable;  you  have  read  your  Bible,  you. have 
prayed,  you  have  gone  to  church;  and  God 
will  surely  not  forget  the  fairer  side  of  your 
character ;  surely  he  will  set  your  good-doing 
against  your  wrong-doing,  and  then  draw  the 
balance  in  your  favor ;  or  at  all  events  release 
you  from  any  further  claim.     Ah,  how  igno- 

*  Ezek.  xviii.  4. 


104 


rant  are  you  of  the  nature  and  extent  of 
the  holmess  which  God  requires  of  his  crea- 
tures ! 

Your  best  and  brightest  deeds  are  defiled 
in  his  sight.  They  were  not  done  from  love 
to  him,  and  are  therefore  devoid  of  all  real 
worth.  With  reference  to  your  fellow-crea- 
tures, your  conduct  may  have  been  lovely 
and  praiseworthy ;  but  God  seeth  not  as  man 
seeth;  he  looks  at  the  heart:  and  if  he  per- 
ceives that  "self"  has  been  the  centre-point 
of  its  motives  and  desires,  or  that  liis  glory, 
instead  of  being  the  first  and  principal  object 
which  influenced  your  daily  life,  has  had  no 
place  in  your  consideration  and  esteem,  how 
little  of  value,  nay,  rather  how  much  to  con- 
demn, ijiust  his  unerring  judgment  find  in 
your  fairest  performances !  "  The  God  in 
whose  hand  thy  breath  is,  and  whose  are  all 


SELF-JUSTIFICATION.  105 

thy  ^ajs,  hast  thou  not  glorified."  *  You 
have  lived  without  him  in  the  world ;  you 
have  not  submitted  to  his  authority ;  you  have 
not  sought  his  honor:  and  yet  you  venture 
to  ask  for  his  approval.  You  bring  forward 
certain  actions  which  lack  the  one  essential 
qualification  that  he  demands  in  them,  and 
you  expect  that  he  will  accept  and  commend 
them.  Besides,  supposing  that  you  could 
present  it  to  God,  of  what  avail  would  par- 
tial goodness  be  before  him  ?  He  requires 
from  you  the  perfect  holiness  of  a  whole  life ; 
one  deviation  from  the  path  of  obedience 
would  stamp  you  a  transgressor  in  his  sight : 
but  your  sins  are  more  in  number  than  the 
hairs  of  your  head;  and  therefore  by  the 
deeds  of  the  law  it  is  impossible  that  you 
should    be   justified.     And    if   not   justified, 

*  Dan.  V.  23. 


106  life's  evening. 


you  must  be  condemned ;   there  is  no    alter- 
native. 

How  vain  then  is  all  self-righteousness ! 
How  delusive  is  the  idea  that  we  can,  either 
altogether  or  in  part,  shield  ourselves  from 
the  disapprobation  and  displeasure  of  our 
Maker !  How  false,  how  dangerous,  is  the 
peace  which  results  from  an  erroneous  con- 
ception of  our  true  position!  Give  up  all 
hope,  then,  of  ever  reaching  heaven  by  the 
road  of  human  merit.  Listen  to  the  voice 
of  your  Saviour  when  he  says,  "  I  am  the 
way,  the  truth,  and  the  life :  no  man  cometh 
unto  the  Father,  but  by  me."*  "Behold" 
in  him  "the  Lamb  of  God,  which  taketh 
away  the  sin  of  the  world."  f  Cease  your 
futile  endeavors  to  establish  your  own  right- 
eousness,   and    at    once    submit    yourself  to 

*  John  xiv.  6.  t  John  i.  29. 


SELF-JUSTIFICATION.  107 

the  righteousness  of  God.  Cast  away  your 
self-confidence,  and  trust  in  the  merits  of  your 
Saviour,  and  you  shall  be  pardoned,  justified, 
and  accepted.  "  Believe  on  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  and  thou  shalt  be  saved."  *  But  if 
you  rely  upon  your  own  obedience  to  the 
law,  you  are  undone.  Why  hesitate  ?  The 
Saviour  has  made  a  full  and  free  atonement 
for  sin,  so  that  God  can  now  be  "just,  and 
the  justifier  of  him  which  belie veth  in  Jesus."  f 
Faith  in  him  will  set  you  free  from  the  accu- 
sations of  conscience,  and  the  penalties  of 
the  broken  law,  and  introduce  you  into  the 
glorious  liberty  of  the  children  of  God.  And 
then  will  commence  in  your  heart  and  life 
that  true  holiness  without  which  no  man  shall 
see  the  Lord.  A  new  principle  of  obedience 
will  spring  up  within  you ;  and  the  all-inspir- 

*  Acts  xvi.  31.  t  Rom.  iii.  26. 


108  life's  evening. 


ing  motive  of  love  will  lead  you  to  live  unto 
Him  who  died  for  you  and  rose  again,  and 
to  glorify  God  in  your  body  and  your  spirit, 
wliicli  are  his. 

There  is,  further,  neither  peace  nor  safety 
without  faith  in  Christ;  that  faith  which 
thankfully  and  joyfully  rests  upon  his  all- 
sufficient  sacrifice,  and  which  brings  forth 
its  appropriate  and  appointed  fruits.  In  the 
dying  hour,  how  worthless  will  be  any  other 
hope  but  the  hope  which  is  linked  with  his 
cross !  A  Roman  Catholic  priest  in  Austria 
went  to  visit  a  woman,  distinguished  by  her 
humility  and  piety,  who  was  dangerously  ill. 
In  endeavoring  to  prepare  her  for  the  solemn 
change  just  at  hand,  he  said  to  her,  "  I  doubt 
not  but  you  will  die  calm  and  happy."  "  Why 
do  you  think  so  ?  "  was  the  inquiry  of  the 
sick  woman.     "  Because   your  life   has  been 


SELF-JUSTIFICATION.  109 

made  up  of  a  series  of  good  works."  She 
sighed,  and  answered  earnestly,  "  If  I  die 
confiding  in  the  good  works  which  yon  call 
to  my  recollection,  I  know  for  certain  that 
I  shall  be  condemned:  but  what  renders  me 
calm  at  this  solemn  hour  is  that  I  trust  solely 
in  Jesus  Christ,  my  Saviour."  These  few 
words  from  the  lips  of  a  dying  woman  re- 
vealed through  Grod's  blessing  the  way  of 
salvation  to  her  hitherto  self-righteous  min- 
ister; and  from  that  period  he  rejoiced  to 
proclaim  to  others  the  Saviour  whom  he  had 
himself  found.  "  We  have  believed  in  Jesus 
Christ,  that  we  might  be  justified  by  the  faith 
of  Christ."  * 

Would  you  have  peace  with  God,  when  the 
thin  curtain  which  separates  time  from  eter- 
nity is  about   to  be   drawn   aside,   and  your 

*  Gal.  ii.  16. 
10 


110  life's  evening. 


spirit  is  passing  from  the  one  to  the  other? 
then  seek  it  noio  through  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ.  Count  all  things  but  loss,  that  you 
may  win  Christ,  and  be  found  in  him,  not 
having  your  own  righteousness,  which  is  of 
the  law,  but  that  which  is  through  the  faith  of 
Christ,  the  righteousness  which  is  of  God  by 
faith.*  You  have  been  striving,  perhaps  for 
many  years,  to  make  yourself  holy,  and  so  to 
fit  yourself  for  heaven  ;  but  you  have  not  suc- 
ceeded. You  have  not  found  that  peace  and 
purity  for  which  you  longed.  Why  ?  Because 
you  "  sought  it  not  by  faith,  but  as  it  were  by 
the  works  of  the  law."  f  j  An  Indian  and  a 
white  man  were  both  impressed  under  the 
same  sermon  with  the  value  of  the  soul  and 
the  importance  of  salvation.  It  was  a  long 
time  before  the  white  man  found  peace  and 

*  Phil.  iii.  8,  9.  '  f  Eom.  ix.  32. 


SELF-JUSTIFICATION.  Ill 

joy  ill  believing ;  but  when  he  did,  he  called 
upon  his  colored  friend,  and  said  to  him, 
"  How  was  it  that  you  found  comfort  so  soon, 
while  I  was  brought  to  the  very  verge  of  de- 
spair ? "  "0  brother  !  "  replied  the  Indian, 
"  me  tell  you ;  there  came  along  a  rich  prince, 
he  offer  to  give  you  a  new  coat ;  you  look  at 
your  coat,  and  say,  '  I  don't  know,  my  coat 
pretty  good,  I  believe  it  will  do  a  little  longer.' 
He  then  offer  me  a  new  coat ;  I  look  on  my 
old  blanket ;  I  say,  '  This  good  for  nothing.' 
I  fling  it  right  away  and  take  the  new  coat. 
Just  so,  brother,  you  try  to  keep  your  own 
righteousness  for  some  time ;  you  loath  to  give 
it  up  ;  but  I,  poor  Indian,  had  none,  therefore 
I  glad  at  once  to  have  the  righteousness  of  the 
Lord  Jesus." 

Have  you  been  clinging  to  your  own  fancied 
righteousness,  instead  of  eagerly   and   grate- 


112 


fully  accepting  that  spotless  robe,  that  wed- 
ding garment,  which  God  has  himself  pro- 
vided? Do  so  no  longer.  Fall  in  now  with 
God's  plan  of  salvation.  Trust  in  Christ. 
Plead  his  merits  as  the  only  ground  of  your 
confidence.  "When  he  hung  upon  the  cross, 
his  last  words  were,  "  It  is  finished."  All  that 
the  justice  of  God  required  as  an  atonement 
for  sin,  in  order  to  the  reconciliation  of  sinners 
to  himself,  was  then  completed.  Our  prayers, 
our  tears,  our  penitence,  our  virtues,  cannot 
add  to  the  value  of  Christ's  finished  work,  nor 
tend  in  the  slightest  degree  to  our  justification. 
By  the  resurrection  of  the  Saviour  from  the 
dead,  and  his  ascension  into  heaven,  God  has 
publicly  testified  his  righteous  displeasure 
against  sin,  and  his  acceptance  of  Christ's 
s-acrifice;  and  if  he  is*  perfectly  satisfied  with 
the  atonement  made  by  his  well-beloved  Son, 


SELF-JUSTIFICATION.  113 

dare  we  deny  its  sufficiency,  or  doubt  its 
worth?  And  yet  this  is  what  we  are  really 
doing  if  we  are  striving  to  find  anything  in 
ourselves  which  will  aid  in  the  expiation  of 
our  guilt,  or  recommend  us  to  God's  favor. 
0,  let  us  shrink  from  offering  such  a  practi- 
cal insult  to  the  Saviour ;  let  us  dread  incur- 
ring the  condemnation  of  those  who  reject 
God's  method  of  salvation,  and  who  obey  not 
the  Gospel  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

Listen,  reader,  to  the  gracious,  the  heart- 
cheering  invitation  which  resounds  in  your 
ears  as  you  gaze  upon  the  cross  :  "  Come  unto 
me,  all  ye  that  labor  and  are  heavy  laden, 
and  I  will  give  you  rest."  *  Weary  sinner ! 
weary  with  the  unceasing  and  unsatisfying 
endeavor  to  work  out  your  own  righteousness, 
arise  now  and  go  to  your  Saviour,  and  find  in 

*  Matt.  xi.  28. 

10*  H 


114  life's  evening. 

him  your  wisdom,  your  righteousness,  your 
sanctification,  and  your  redemption.  He  who 
knew  no  sin  was  made  sin  for  you,  that  you 
might  be  made  the  righteousness  of  God  in 
Him.*  Believe  this ;  and  the  peace  of  God 
which  passeth  all  understanding  will  flow  into 
your  soul. 

Aged  believer  !  being  justified  by  faith,  this 
peace  is  already  yours.  Cherish  it  by  contin- 
ued and  simple  reliance  on  Christ.  Trust  to 
nothing  in  yourself,  not  even  to  the  fruits  of 
grace  which  he  has  himself  implanted  within 
you.  Sanctification  is  not  your  title  to  heaven, 
but  your  fitness  for  it.  All  your  hope,  all 
your  dependence,  must  still  rest  upon  the  fin- 
ished work  of  your  Saviour.  "  Ye  are  com- 
plete in  Him."  f 

*  2  Cor.  V.  21.  t  Col.  ii.  10. 


^t  f  0SS  of  Ptmorg. 


^I^j^to  impaired  the  memory  becomes  as  we 
^^  advance  in  years  !  We  are  constantly  for- 
getting the  little  occurrences  of  every-day  life  ; 
and  our  past  history  sometimes  appears  to 
us  like  an  indistinct  and  troubled  dream. 
The  friends  and  associates  of  our  youth  fade 
from  our  recollection,  and  we  are  frequently 
unable  to  recall  even  the  names  which  they 
bore.  It  is  true  that  an  aged  person  will 
sometimes  manifest  as  clear  and  as  tena- 
cious a  memory  as  is  possessed  by  any  one 
around  him;  but  his  case  is  a  peculiar  one, 
and  does  not  warrant  others  to  expect  that  they 
will  be  similarly  favored.     For  loss  of  memory 


116  life's  evening. 


is  a  common  and  natural  infirmity  of  old  age  ; 
and  we  must  not  be  surprised,  and  we  ought 
not  to  be  impatient,  at  this  indication,  among 
many  others,  of  our  mortality. 

The  present  world  is  not  our  rest,  although 
we  are  too  prone  to  live  as  if  it  were  so,  and 
our  failing  strength,  and  weakened  faculties, 
are  kmd  and  necessary  remembrancers  of  our 
actual  position  here.  And  not  only  do  they 
remind  us  that  we  have  reached  the  evening  of 
life,  and  should  prepare  for  the  dawn  ©f  im- 
mortality, but  they  tend  to  assist  us  in  making 
that  preparation,  by  withdrawing  us  from  the 
arduous  and  engrossing  occupations  of  the 
world,  and  by  gradually  weaning  us  from  our 
natural  attachment  to  this  present  state  of 
existence.  Our  feeble  powers,  both  of  body 
and  mind,  unfit  us  for  the  busy  engagements 
into  which  we  once  entered  so  heartily,  and  in 


THE  LOSS   OF  BIEMORY.  117 

our  retirement  from  the  active  duties  of  life 
we  have  opportunity  for  meditation  and  reflec- 
tion ;  while  the  privations  and  trials  to  which 
we  are  subjected  incline  us  to  say  with  the 
afflicted  patriarch,  "  I  would  not  live  alway  ; " 
and  thus  make  us  willing  to  depart. 

The  failure  of  memory  is,  however,  very 
trying  and  inconvenient ;  and  it  is  a  loss 
which  cannot  be  repaired.  "  My  memory  fails 
day  by  day,"  writes  a  Christian  lady  in  her 
seventieth  year  to  her  sister :  "  I  cannot  re- 
member where  I  put  anything,  no,  not  for  an 
hour ;  and  though  the  inconvenience  might  be 
prevented  by  having  a  place  for  everything, 
and  being  careful  to  put  everytliing  in  its 
proper  place,  —  a  rule  good  in  every  time  of 
life,  —  it  is  frustrated  by  my  forgetting  that  I 
forget.  No  person  can  conceive  the  trial  this 
is  but  they  who  have  experienced  it.     It  is 


118  life's  evening. 


equally  distressing  with  regard  to  circum- 
stances and  dates.  I  must  make  a  memoran- 
dum of  everything ;  and  then  I  lose  the  memo- 
randum, or  mislay  the  book  in  which  I  note 
down  things  of  importance.  However,  I  have 
mercies  great  and  numerous,  to  balance,  and 
infinitely  more  than  balance  this  ;  my  life  is 
hid  with  Christ  in  God;  my  Jesus  is  my 
surety  that  all  will  be  well:  he  forgets  not. 
All  my  concerns  are  m  his  hands :  he  j^ill 
manage  all,  —  perfect  all,  —  finish  all." 

0,  amidst  the  changes  and  the  imperfec- 
tions which  are  incidental  to  the  present  life, 
how  full  of  comfort  is  the  thought  that  Jesus 
forgets  not!  He  ever  remembers  his  people, 
and  retains  the  liveliest  interest  in  their  mi- 
nutest concerns.  "  Can  a  woman  forget  her 
sucking  child,  that  she  should  not  have  com- 
passion on  the  son  of  her  womb  ?     Yea,  they 


THE   LOSS   OF   BIEMORY.  119 

may  forget ;  yet  will  I  not  forget  thee."  *  No 
lapse  of  time  can  enfeeble  or  destroy  his  per- 
fect and  perpetual  cognizance  of  our  affairs. 

And  although  our  memories  are  rapidly 
failing,  although  they  are  unable  now  to  fulfil 
the  trust  which  we  once  reposed  inJ;hem,  they 
can  still  gratefully  recall  the  Saviour's  pre- 
cious name,  and  ardently  cherish  the  recollec- 
tion of  his  unspeakable  love. 

The  pious  Bishop  Beveridge,  when  on  his 
death-bed,  was  unable  to  recognize  any  of  his 
relatives  or  friends.  A  clergyman  with  whom 
he  had  been  intimately  acquainted  visited 
him,  and  when  introduced  into  his  room,  said, 
"  Bishop  Beveridge,  do  you  know  me  ? " 
"Who  are  you?"  said  the  aged  prelate. 
Being  told  who  the  minister  was,  he  shook  his 
head,   and   said  that  he   did  not  know  him. 

^  Isa.  xlix.  15. 


120  life's  evening. 

Another  friend  addressed  him  in  a  similar 
manner,  "  Do  you  know  me,  Bishop  Beve- 
ridge  ?  "  "■  Who  are  you  ?  "  he  again  m- 
quired.  Being  told  that  it  was  one  of  his  old 
friends,  he  replied  that  he  did  not  recollect 
him.  His  wife  then  came  to  his  bedside,  and 
asked  him  if  he  knew  hdr,  but  the  good  Bishop 
had  lost  all  remembrance  even  of  his  wife. 
At  last  some  one  present  said,  "  Well,  Bishop 
Beveridge,  do  you  know  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  ?  "  "  Jesus  Christ !  "  repeated  he,  as 
if  the  name  had  produced  upon  him  the  influ- 
ence of  a  charm ;  "  0  yes,  I  have  known  him 
these  forty  years :  precious  Saviour !  He  is 
my  only  hope." 

"  How  sweet  the  name  of  Jesus  sounds 
In  a  believer's  ear ! ' 

Saviour !  if  we  forget  all  besides,  may  we 
remember  thee  !     May  we  look  to  thee,  —  rest 


THE   LOSS   OF  MEMORY.  121 

on  thee,  —  abide  in  thee,  —  and  wait  for  that 
happy  period  when  we  shall  be  forever  with 
thee. 

And  when  we  have  reached  heaven,  we  shall 
no  longer  have  to  complain  of  the  imperfection 
of  memory.  For  then  we  shall  remember  — 
remember  without  any  effort,  any  mistake, 
any  omission  —  the  way  in  which  the  Lord 
our  God  has  led  us  so  many  years  in  the  wil- 
derness. What  a  retrospect  will  that  be ! 
The  light  of  eternity  will  shine  on  the  records 
of  the  past,  and  each  page  of  our  life  will  be 
clear  and  legible.  And  we  shall  read  them 
without  pain  or  regret.  In  this  world  the 
recollection  of  bygone  days  is  often  fraught 
with  much  that  is  sorrowful.  Scenes  and 
events  come  back  to  our  thoughts,  on  which 
we  dare  not  dwell,  and  which  we  would  fain 
forget.  But  it  will  not  be  so  above.  Perfect 
11 


122  life's  evening. 


and  vi^-id  as  that  mental  glance  which  shall 
survey  our  journey  through  life,  from  the 
cradle  to  the  grave,  will  unquestionably  prove, 
it  will  be  accompanied  by  so  deep  and  aug- 
mented an  acquaintance  with  the  loving  provi- 
dence of  our  Heavenly  Father,  and  by  such 
sweet  and  entire  submission  to  his  will,  as  will 
render  it  impossible  for  the  remembrances  to 
awaken  the  slightest  emotion  of  grief  in  our 
hearts.  Or  rather,  it  will  furnish  us  with  such 
accumulated  and  varied  proofs  of  God's  ten- 
derness and  care,  as  will  fill  our  spirits  with 
grateful  adoration.  O,  as  we  recall  with  ac- 
curate minuteness  the  circumstances  of  our 
eartlily  history,  we  shall  see  enough  of  God's 
marvellous  wisdom  and  loving-kindness  to  ex- 
cite our  praise  throughout  all  eternity. 

Instead,  then,  of  lamenting  over  our  present 
infirmity,  let  us  endeavor  to  realize  that  free- 


THE   LOSS   OF   MEMORY.  123 

dom  from  all  imperfection,  and  those  superior 
mental  faculties,  which  we  shall  enjoy  in  a 
future  state.  We  are  now  drawing  near  to 
the  land  of  perpetual  youth  and  vigor.  The 
weakened  intellect,  the  declining  strength,  the 
failing  memory,  these  are  tokens  that  it  will 
not  be  very  long  before  our  weary  spirits  are 
at  rest. 

"  ,  A  poor  aged  widow,  —  poor  in  this  world's 
wealth,  but  rich  in  faith, — in  reply  to  the  kind 
inquiry  of  her  minister  after  her  health,  re- 
plied with  cheerfulness,  "•  What  cause  I  have 
to  be  thankful !  how  many  at  my  age  are  con- 
fined to  their  beds,  while  I  am  able  to  be  about 
and  clean  my  own  house.  I  hope  I  may  have 
my  faculties  to  the  last." 

"  You  find,  I  dare  say,"  he  remarked,  "  that 
this  earthly  house  of  your  tabernacle  is  being 
dissolved;   now  one  pin  is  taken  down,  now 


124 


ano^ier ;  now  this  part  melts  away,  now 
that."  "Yes,  sir,  I  do  indeed  find  that  my 
poor  old  body  is  very  weak  ;  often,  when  I  only 
walk  across  the  room,  I  am  extremely  giddy  ; 
and  my  memory  almost  fails  me.  Sometimes 
I  get  up  and  go  into  the  other  room  to  fetch 
something  which  I  want,  and  when  I  come 
there,  I  stand,  and  have  quite  forgotten  for 
what  I  came." 

"  You  remember,  perhaps,  what  took  place 
when  you  were  a  girl,  far  more  distinctly  than 
what  you  heard  or  saw  only  last  week  ? " 

"  0  yes,  sir ;  it  seems  to  me  but  a  few  days 
since  I  was  a  girl ;  my  father  lived  at  the  mill, 
and  I  remember  how  I  used  to  go  into  the 
fields,  and  have  many  a  game  there  with  my 
little  playfellows." 

"Well,  my  dear  friend,  memory  generally 
seems  to  be  the  first  faculty  which  is  taken 


THE   LOSS   OF   MEMORY.  125 

from  the  aged;  and  God  thus  reminds  them 
to  forget  those  things  which  are  beliind,  and  to 
reach  forth  to  those  things  which  are  before. 
He  prevents  their  looking  back,  in  order  that 
they  may  learn  to  look  forward.^'* 

Let  us  all  "  look  forward ; "  and  as  we  muse 
on  the  glorious  reaUties  of  heaven,  can  we 
murmur  that  we  should  forget  the  fading 
things  of  earth?  Is  it  not  well,  that  the 
nearer  we  are  to  the  joys  of  eternity,  the  less 
^dvid  and  perceptible  appear  the  vanities  of 
time  ?  A  mist  has  gathered  over  the  scenes 
of  earth,  but  everlasting  sunshine  is  about  to 
break  forth. 


t-''-crNO>^^'^3i{^^"Xi>'^=>«-J 


Luke  xxiv.  29. 

Jjrljrnugl^  the  brief,  and  sometimes  sorrowful 
walk  of  life,  thou,  0  Saviour,  hast  been 
our  companion  and  friend.  Thy  presence  has 
cheered  us ;  thy  word  has  instructed  us ;  and 
thy  sympathy  has  consoled  us.  How  delight- 
ful has  been  our  intercourse  with  thee  !  the 
remembrance  of  it  is  very  precious  to  us.  And 
now  that  it  is  towards  evening,  and  the  day  is 
far  spent,  depart  not  from  us.  "  Cast  us  not 
off  in  the  time  of  old  age,  forsake  us  not  when 
our  strength  faileth ; "  for  we  cannot  do  with- 
out thee.  When  thou  art  absent,  our  comfort 
declines,  our  hopes  are  enfeebled,  and  we  sadly 
mistake  th^  designs  of  thy  providence.     Con- 


12T 


verse  with  thee  is  absolutely  essential  to  our 
peace  of  mind,  and  our  growth  in  grace. 
Then  come  and  abide  with  us.  "  Thus  saith 
the  high  and  lofty  One  that  inhabiteth  eternity, 
whose  name  is  Holy;  I  dwell  in  the  high 
and  holy  place,  with  him  also  that  is  of  a 
contrite  and  humble  spirit."*  0,  fulfil  in 
our  experience  so  gracious  and  so  marvellous 
a  promise !  The  door  of  our  hearts  is  thrown 
wide  open,  that  thou  mayest  enter,  and  take 
up  thine  abode  there  forever.  0,  abide  with 
us !  If  thou  seemest  as  if  thou  wert  going 
further,  it  is  only  to  increase  the  ardor  of  our 
desires,  and  to  strengthen  the  fervency  of  our 
petition.  Suffer  us,  then,  0  gracious  Saviour, 
to  plead  with  thee :  to  beseech  thee,  with  an 
importunity  that  admits  of  no  denial,  that 
thou  wilt  stay  with  us  and  bless  us.     Like  the 

*  Isa.  Ivii.  15. 


128  life's  evening. 


patriarch  of  old,  let  us  have  power  with  thee, 
and  prevail. 

V  "Abide  with  us."  We  are  ignorant  and 
erring  creatures,  and  need  that  thou  shouldest 
remain  with  us  as  our  Teacher.  Long  have 
our  names  been  enrolled  as  thy  disciples  ;  and 
varied  and  repeated  have  been  thy  gentle  and 
wise  instructions ;  but  we  want  to  know  more 
—  much  more  —  of  thee  and  of  thy  Gospel. 
There  are  difficulties  which  we  desire  to  have 
removed ;  duties  of  which  we  are  anxious  to 
be  reminded ;  promises  which  we  long  to  have 
unfolded  to  us.  Alas !  how  little  do  we  yet 
understand  the  mystery  of  godliness!  how 
feeble-  and  unworthy  is  our  estimate  of  the 
riches  both  of  the  wisdom  and  knowledge  of 
God!  Thou  mightest  indeed  justly  reproach 
us  with  our  dulness  of  apprehension,  and  with 
our  slowness  of  heart  to  believe  all  that  the 


"abide  with  us."  129 

prophets  have  spoken ;  for  we  have  not  made 
half  the  progress  which  we  might  and  ought 
to  have  made  in  the  study  of  thy  truth.  In- 
stead of  being  now  prepared  to  become  the 
teachers  of  others,  we  rather  need  to  be  taught 
again  "the  first  principles  of  the  oracles  of 
God."  *  But,  Lord,  while  we  lament  with 
shame  and  sorrow  our  imperfect  acquaintance 
with  thy  word  and  will,  we  would  at  the  same 
time  urge  our  ignorance  as  the  very  plea  why 
thou  shouldest  continue  to  impart  thy  gracious 
and  plain  instructions.  Abide  with  us ;  for 
the  partial  yet  blessed  acquaintance  which  we 
have  even  now  with  thy  doctrines  and  precepts 
makes  us  intensely  solicitous  to  come  "  in  the 
unity  of  the  faith,  and  of  the  knowledge  of 
the  Son  of  God,  unto  a  perfect  man,  unto  the 
measure    of  the    stature    of   the    fulness    of 

*  Heb.  V.  12. 


130  life's  evening. 


Christ."  *  Open  unto  us  the  Scriptures  ;  ex- 
pound unto  us  all  that  they  contain  concern- 
ing thyself;  enable  us  to  know  thy  love  which 
passeth  knowledge.  Cause  our  hearts  to  burn 
within  us,  as  thou  talkest  to  us  by  the  way. 

"Abide  with  us."  The  trials  and  disap- 
pointments which  we  meet  are  heavy  to  bear. 
As  we  walk  through  the  pathway  of  the  world, 
we  are  often  sad  and  cast  down.  Our  cherished 
hopes  have  been  blasted,  and  we  seem  friendless 
and  forsaken.  Wilt  thou  not  draw  near  and 
comfort  us?  Wilt  thou  not  dispel  our  fears 
and  strengthen  our  faith?  Wilt  thou  not  so 
fill  our  hearts  with  thy  presence,  that  there 
shall  be  no  room  left  for  corroding  care  and 
anxiety  ?  Abide  with  us.  Many  dangers  are 
before  us,  nay,  around  us ;  and  who  but  thou 
can  deliver  us  from  them  ?     Many  troubles  are 

*  Eph.  iv.  13. 


"ABIDE  WITH   US."  131 

gathering  in  the  distance,  and  to  whom  besides 
thee  can  we  look  for  succor  ?  0,  go  not  from 
us,  for  trouble  is  nigh  at  hand,  and  there  is 
none  to  help  us.  But  our  griefs  will  soon  grow 
lighter  if  thou  art  with  us ;  if  thou  wilt 
disclose  to  us  the  necessity  and  the  result  of 
the  painful  events  which  have  befallen  us ;  if 
thou  wilt  show  us  that  the  sources  of  our 
sorrow  are  really  the  springs  of  our  joy. 

"Abide  with  us."  A  short  and  occasional 
visit  from  thee,  O  Lord,  although  it  is  far  more 
than  we  deserve,  cannot  satisfy  our  desires. 
We  want  thee  to  dwell  with  us,  not  as  a  guest, 
but  as  a  resident,  to  make  our  hearts  thy  home. 
"  0  the  hope  of  Israel,  the  Saviour  thereof  in 
time  of  trouble,  why  shouldest  thou  be  as  a 
stranger  in  the  land,  and  as  a  wayfaring  man 
that  turneth  aside  to  tarry  for  the  night  ?  "  * 

*  Jer.  xiv.  8. 


132  life's  evening. 


0,  abide  with  us.  Through  the  sunshine  of 
prosperity  and  the  gloom  of  adversity ;  in  our 
mental  conflicts  and  our  spiritual  enjoyments ; 
when  the  duties  of  life  are  pressing  hard  upon 
us,  or  when  the  shadow  of  the  tomb  is  flung 
across  our  path,  leave  us  not,  neither  forsake 
us,  thou  God  of  our  salvation.  So  ardent  is 
our  affection  for  thee  ;  so  deep  is  our  conscious- 
ness of  our  utter  helplessness  and  misery 
without  thee,  that  we  cannot  bear  that  thou 
shouldest  ever  depart  from  us.  Take  what 
thou  wilt  away,  only  leave  us  thyself. 

"Abide  with  us."  There  are  seasons  — 
painful  seasons  —  in  our  Christian  experience, 
when,  through  misapprehension  and  unbelief, 
we  lose  the  sweet  realization  of  thy  presence. 
Thou  art  near  us ;  thou  art  with  us :  but  our 
eyes  are  holden,  and  we  do  not  know  thee. 
The  ignorance  of  our  minds,  and  the  mysteries 


"ABIDE   WITH   US."  133 

of  thy  providence,  cast  a  mist  over  our  spiritual 
apprehension,  so  that  we  fail  to  discern  thee. 
But  our  thoughts  and  our  desires  are  still 
intently  fixed  upon  thee;  we  long  to  behold 
again  the  light  of  thy  countenance;  and  if 
thou  wilt  abide  with  us,  if  thou  wilt  pity  our 
weakness  and  out  dulness  of  perception,  and 
remain  with  us,  our  eyes  will  soon  be  opened, 
and  we  shall  joyfully  recognize  thee  as  our 
Master,  our  Friend,  our  Saviour. 

"Abide  with  us."  It  is  with  the  confidence 
of  faith  that  we  thus  implore  thy  perpetual 
presence  and  friendship,  for  thou  hast  promised 
that,  if  we  love  thee  and  keep  thy  words,  thou 
wilt  come  unto  us,  and  make  thine  abode  with 
us.*  Thou  hast  declared  that  thou  art  with 
us  always,  even  unto  the  end  of  the  world. 
Thou  hast   assured   us  that  thou  wilt  never 

*  John  xiv.  23. 
12 


134 


leave  us.  "With  holy  boldness,  therefore,  we 
come  unto  the  throne  of  grace,  and  ask  for  the 
simple  fulfilment  of  thine  own  words.  Abide 
with  us.  Through  life,  in  death,  manifest 
thyself  unto  us  as  thou  dost  not  unto  the 
world.  Let  our  fellowship  be  with  the  Father, 
and  with  thee,  his  Son  Jesus  Christ.  And 
when  the  journey  of  life  shall  end,  receive  us 
into  one  of  the  many  mansions  which  thou  art 
now  preparing  for  thy  disciples;  that  where 
thou  art,  there  we  may  be  also,  and  enjoy 
eternal  and  uninterrupted  communion  with 
thee. 


Abide  with  me :  fast  falls  the  even-tide ; 
The  darkness  thickens  ;  Lord,  with  me  abide. 
When  other  helpers  fail,  and  comforts  flee, 
Help  of  the  helpless,  O,  abide  with  me ! 


ABIDE  WITH  US."  135 


Swift  to  its  close  ebbs  out  life's  little  day ; 
Earth's  joys  grow  dim,  its  glories  pass  away. 
Change  and  decay  in  all  around  I  see : 
O  thou,  who  changest  not,  abide  with  me  ! 

Not  a  brief  glance  I  beg,  a  passing  word, 
But  as  thou  dwell'st  with  thy  disciples.  Lord ; 
Familiar,  condescending,  patient,  free. 
Come,  not  to  sojourn,  but  abide  with  me. 

Come  not  in  terrors  as  the  King  of  kings. 
But  kind  and  good  with  healing  in  thy  wings ; 
Tears  for  all  woes,  a  heart  for  every  plea  : 
Come,  Friend  of  sinners !  thus  abide  with  me. 

Thou  on  my  head  in  early  youth  didst  smile  ;^ 
And  though  rebellious  and  perverse  meanwhile, 
Thou  hast  not  left  me,  oft  as  I  left  thee : 
On  to  the  close,  O  Lord,  abide  with  me. 


136  life's  evening. 


I  need  thy  presence  every  passing  hour ; 
What  but  thy  grace  can  foil  the  tempter's  power  ? 
"Who  like  thyself  my  guide  and  stay  can  be  ? 
Through  cloud  and  sunshine,  O,  abide  with  me ! 

I  fear  no  foe  with  thee  at  hand  to  bless, 
Ills  have  no  weight,  and  tears  no  bitterness. 
Where  is  Death's  sting  ?  where,  Grave,  thy  victory  ? 
I  triumph  still  if  thou  abide  with  me. 

Hold  thou  thy  cross  before  my  closing  eyes ; 
Shine  through  the  gloom  and  point  me  to  the  skies ; 
Heaven's  morning  breaks,  and  earth's  vain  shadows 

flee: 
In  life,  in  death,  O  Lord,  abide  with  me. 

Kev.  H.  F.  Ltte. 


^Sppatljs  aitir  Selfishness* 


fohj  natural  it  is  to  be  selfish ;  to  study 
continually  one's  own  comfort,  and  to 
make  the  happiness  of  others  a  secondary 
consideration,  —  if,  indeed,  we  make  it  a  con- 
sideration at  all !  How  Christ-like  it  is  to 
love  our  neighbor  as  ourselves ;  to  bear  one 
another's  burdens ;  to  be  full  of  sympathy 
with  all  around  us  ! 

Which  is  the  lovelier  character  ?  Which 
is  your  character?  Is  "self"  the  centre  of 
your  wishes  and  your  aims,  —  the  idol  that 
is  set  up  in  your  heart  ?  Or  have  you 
learned  from  the  example  of  our  Saviour,  to 

12* 


138  life's  evening. 


rejoice  with  them  that  rejoice,  and  to  weep 
with  them  that  weep?  Have  you  put  on 
tliat  charity  which  is  the  bond  of  perfect- 
ness  ? 

Each  season  of  Hfe  has  its  own  peculiar 
tendencies  and  temptations.  But  selfishness 
is  at  all  times,  and  under  all  circumstances, 
the  common  sin  which  doth  so  easily  beset 
us.  In  early  youth  we  are  'prone  to  imag- 
ine that  everybody  and  everything  about  us 
ought  in  some  way  to  minister  to  our  grat- 
ification, and  we  therefore  strive  to  employ 
them  in  the  furtherance  of  the  plans  which 
we  have  arranged  for  our  own  happiness.  In 
old  age,  when  the  infirmities  of  life  compel  us 
to  withdraw  from  its  activities  and  its  pleas- 
ures, we  are  in  danger  of  supposing  that,  since 
we  can  derive  but  little  enjoyment  now  from 
those  sources  which  once  yielded  to  us  a  rich 


SYMPATHY  AND    SELFISHNESS.  139 

supply,  it  is  a  matter  of  little  importance  to 
us  whether  others  find  any  satisfaction  in 
them  or  not.  It  often  happens  that  old  age 
narrows  the  channel  of  our  benevolence  and 
our  sympathy;  we  have  less  to  receive,  and 
we  think  we  cannot  have  so  much  to  give. 
Our  thoughts,  allowed  to  take  their  natural 
course,  become  concentrated  on  "self;"  all 
that  personally  concerns  us  is  so  magnified 
as  very  much  to  hide  from  our  view  the  inter- 
ests of  our  neighbors ;  we  look  so  steadily  and 
so  exclusively  on  our  own  good,  that  we 
almost  lose  sight  of  the  good  of  others. 

Now,  will  you  guard  against  the  influence 
of  these  selfish  feelings  ?  Will  you  bear  in 
mind  how  opposed,  how  thoroughly  opposed, 
are  selfishness  and  Christianity  ?  Will  you 
reflect  upon  the  injury  which  you  may  do  to 
religion,  by  allowing  an  undue  regard  for  self 


140 


to  be  maiiifested  in  the  little  occurrences  of 
your  every-day  life  1>^A  young  man,  who 
was  urged  by  a  pious  friend  to  devote  himself 
to  the  service  of  God,  made  this  reply:  "It 
is  of  no  use  to  talk  to  me  in  this  way  ;  I  have 
seen  too  much  of  religious  people  to  desire  to 
be  like  them.  They  pretend  to  be  a  great 
deal  better  than  everybody  else,  but  they  are 
just  the  same  underneath.  Why,  there 's  my 
Uncle  S ,  an  old  man  with  one  foot  al- 
ready in  the  grave ;  he  calls  himself  a  Chris- 
tian, and  yet  he  is  as  covetous  and  as  selfish 
as  possible.  See  him  at  home ;  his  comfort, 
his  ease,  his  wishes,  must  be  first  consulted  ; 
everybody  must  give  way  to  him;  and  he  is 
constantly  taking  offence  because  he  thinks  he 
has  not  sufficient  attention  and  respect  paid  to 
him.  What's  the  use  of  religion?  it  is  all 
show,  —  mere  show.'' 


SYMPATHY   AND   SELFISHNESS.  141 

It  was  not  difficult  to  answer  such  an  objec- 
tion as  this,  but  it  was  difficult  to  remove  the 
prejudice  and  the  misconception  which  had 
gathered  around  that  young  man's  mind. 
The  selfish  behavior  of  his  aged  relative,  in 
conjunction  with  that  of  others,  had  so  set  him 
against  religion,  that  he  would  not  listen  to 
its  claims ;  and,  although  moral  and  amiable 
in  his  conduct,  he  still  remains  estranged  from 
his  God  and  his  people.  It  is  true,  that  the 
faults  and  inconsistencies  of  professed  Chris- 
tians will  furnish  no  valid  excuse  for  his  refu- 
sal to  love  and  serve  liis  God  and  Saviour; 
but  ought  they  not  to  excite  the  deepest  grief 
and  shame  in  those  who  have  thus  thrown 
additional  stumbling-blocks  in  the  way  of  a 
sinner's  return  ?  Ought  we  not  earnestly  to 
watch  and  pray  that  we  do  not  bring  reproach 
upon  that  holy  name  by  which  we  are  called, 


142  life's  evening. 


through  our  self-love  and  self-indulgence  ?  It 
is  not  so  much  by  flagrant  departures  from  the 
ways  of  godliness,  that  we  exert  a  baneful 
influence  over  the  undecided  and  the  uncon- 
verted, as  by  our  apparently  careless  disregard 
of  whatsoever  things  are  lovely  and  of  good 
report. 

The  warm  and  generous-hearted  spirit  of 
youth  will  shrink  with  distaste,  if  not  with 
disgust,  from  a  religion  which  our  actions 
have  led  him  to  ally  with  meanness  and 
selfishness.  Our  prayers,  our  zeal,  our  alms- 
giving, our  profession,  will  have  but  little 
weight  with  him,  if  they  are  associated  day 
after  day  with  the  unhallowed  and  unamiable 
endeavor  to  secure  our  personal  ease,  in  pref- 
erence to  the  comfort  of  others  ;  —  he  will  re- 
gard them  but  as  sounding  brass,  or  a  tinkling 
cymbal.   And  will  he  not  rightly  regard  them  ? 


SYMPATHY   AND  SELFISHNESS.  143 

"  Though  I  have  all  faith  and  knowledge ; 
though  I  bestow  all  my  goods  to  feed  the 
poor;  and  though  I  give  my  body  to  be 
burned,  and  have  not  love,  —  that  love  which 
seeketh  not  her  own,  which  vaunteth  not 
itself,  but  which  suffereth  long  and  is  kind,  — 
it  profiteth  me  nothing."  * 

Let  not,  then,  the  infirmities  of  age  be  a 
plea  for  your  lessened  sympathy  with  others. 
Should  the  graces  of  the  Christian  decline  with 
his  fading  strength  ?  should  the  shadow  of  the 
tomb  dim  the  light  of  his  heaven-born  love  ? 
Surely  the  nearer  that  he  approaches  to  the 
pure  and  peaceful  fellowship  of  the  saints 
above,  the  more  should  his  spirit  be  conformed 
to  theirs.  And  is  theirs  a  spirit  of  selfishness  ? 
Are  they  absorbed  in  their  own  interests,  their 
own  occupations,  their  own  joys  ?    Are  they 

*  1  Cor.  xiii. 


144 


indifferent  to  the  feelings  and  the  pleasures  of 
their  bright  companions  ?  No  ;  they  joyfully 
and  fully  sympathize  with  each  other ;  self  is 
forgotten  there  ;  and  if  we  hope,  through  a 
Saviour's  merits,  to  reach  the  home  where 
they  dwell,  let  us  endeavor  to  cherish  corre- 
spondent emotions  to  theirs.  Let  us  strive  to 
follow  them  as  they,  when  on  earth,  followed 
Christ.  Ah,  let  us  rather  look  at  once  at 
Jesus,  our  perfect  model,  our  brightest  exam- 
ple ;  let  us  ask  to  have  the  mind  that  was  in 
him,  and  to  be  imbued  with  his  spirit.  For 
then  we  cannot  live  day  after  day  as  some  who 
profess  and  call  themselves  Christians  do  live ; 
cold  and  careless  about  the  welfare  of  others, 
and  at  the  same  time  intensely  solicitous  to 
promote  our  own.  "  Ye  have  not  so  learned 
Christ ;  if  so  be  that  ye  have  heard  him,  and 
have  been   taught  by  him,   as  the   truth  is 


SYMPATHY  AND   SELFISHNESS.  145 

in  Jesus."  *  His  doctrine  which  we  have 
received  into  our  hearts,  and  his  example 
w^ich  we  have  chosen  as  the  guide  of  our 
conduct,  leads  us  to  deny  ourselves  that  we 
may  benefit  others,  and  to  take  the  liveliest 
interest  in  all  that  relates  to  their  happi- 
ness. 

And  we  are  not  to  retrace  our  steps  as 
years  increase.  We  are  not  to  be  peevish, 
discontented,  or  unreasonable,  because  we  are 
old,  or  getting  old.  This  is  certainly  not  our 
creed,  and,  God  helping  us,  it  shall  never  be 
our  practice.  As  we  advance  in  life  we 
should  be  more  considerate,  more  kind,  more 
like  Christ,  not  less  so ;  and  if  we  abide  in 
him,  and  his  words  abide  in  us,  there  can  be 
no  doubt  that  we  shall  thus  grow  in  grace. 
The  stream  of  Christian  affection  will  become 

*  Eph.  iv.  20,  21. 
13  J 


146  life's  evening. 


deeper,  not  shallower ;  the  flame  of  unselfish 
love  will  burn  more  brightly  instead  of  almost 
going  out. 

0  how  delightful  is  the  sight  of  an  aged 
believer,  richly  imbued  with  the  loving  and 
unselfish  spirit  of  his  Master !  How  refreshing 
is  it  in  this  dreary  world  to  rest  awhile  be- 
neath some  venerable  palm-tree,  which  spreads 
out  its  cooling  branches  as  if  the  only  object 
of  its  existence  were  to  bless  the  passer-by ! 
How  cheering  is  it,  amidst  the  selfish  and 
dissatisfied  throng  around  us,  to  meet  with 
those  who  can  smile  through  their  own  tears 
upon  the  happy  and  the  gifted ! 

An  aged  servant  of  the  Lord  had  survived 
all  her  near  relatives ;  the  last  beloved  object 
of  her  tender  affections,  of  her  constant  recol- 
lection, was  laid  in  the  grave.  Her  life  had 
been  the  scene  of  many  sorrows,  and  there  was 


SYMPATHY   AND    SELFISHNESS.  147 

but  little  sunshine  to  cheer  the  evening  of  her 
life.  One  day,  as  lonely  and  blind  she  sat  by 
the  fireside  in  her  little  parlor,  a  friend  who 
called  to  see  her,  found  her  —  doing  what? 
murmuring  over  her  desolate  situation,  and 
complaining  that  she  was  uncared  for  and  for- 
gotten ?  no,  but  rejoicing  in  the  happiness  of 
others.  A  family  whom  she  had  known  and 
loved  in  early  life  was  to  be  gladdened  on 
that  day  by  the  return  of  a  long-absent  mem- 
ber ;  and,  through  its  dull  and  silent  hours, 
her  lips  were  often  unclosed  to  express  her 
delight  at  the  thoughts  of  their  meeting ;  her 
prayers  that  they  might  be  blessed.  "  Were 
this  my  case,"  thought  the  listener,  "  I  should 
have  been  repining  that  others  had  the  comfort 
of  tender  relatives  and  loving  friends,  while  I 
was  left  alone  in  the  world,  looking  for  none 
whose  approach  could  console  and  gladden  my 


148  life's  evening. 


solitary  existence."  The  latter  feeling  is  the 
emotion  of  the  natural  heart,  the  former  of  the 
Christian  spirit.  Reader,  which  would  have 
been  yours? 


<r-^S^yCr^:^^Q^j^X><^i'^ 


®Ije  ititc|aitgm0  Jfmitk 


^fr^  evening  was  calm  and  pleasant,  enli- 
vened  by  a  gentle  breeze  and  the  rays  of 
the  declining  sun.  At  the  door  of  a  low  cot- 
tage sat  an  old  man.  His  hair  was  white,  his 
form  was  befit,  and  his  dim  eyes  were  fixed  on 
the  richly  tinted  clouds.  Was  he  admiring  the 
simple  grandeur  of  an  evening  sky  ?  I  think 
not.  His  features  wore  a  sad  and  troubled 
expression,  as  if  his  mind  were  occupied  by 
thoughts  which  had  but  little  connection  with 
the  objects  around  him.  And  so  indeed  it 
was.  He  was  thinking  of  the  uncertain  and 
unsatisfying  nature  of  earthly  friendship ;  he 

13* 


150 


was  musing  over  a  painful  proof  which  he  had 
that  day  received  of  the  ingratitude  and  un- 
kindness  of  one  whom  he  had  loved  and  cher- 
ished in  years  gone  by. 

"  It  is  trying,  very  trying,"  he  said,  "  to  be 
thus  deceived  and  injured  by  an  early  friend. 
It  is  not  an  enemy  that  has  done  this,  but  it 
was  my  companion,  and  familiar  friend.  He 
was  the  last  person  from  whom  I  should  have 
expected  such  treatment;  I  always  reposed 
the  most  perfect  confidence  in  hiln.  0,  what 
is  friendship  ?  It  is  like  a  slender  reed,  which 
when  leaned  upon  often  pierces  us  through 
with  many  sorrows." 

The  old  man's  feelings  had  been  sadly 
wounded,  and  his  mind  was  much  disturbed. 
But  perhaps  just  then  the  serene  aspect  of 
nature  soothed  him,  or  perhaps  bright  mem- 
ories of  loved  and  faithful   ones  reproached 


THE   UNCHANGING   FRIEND.  151 

him  for  his  indiscriminate  censure,  for  he 
added  in  a  more  cheerful  tone,  "  Not  that 
all  friends  prove  false  and  changeable.  0 
no !  I  have  known  and  shared  too  much 
of  the  warm  and  unselfish  and  continued 
affection  of  others,  to  believe  that  friendship 
is  nothing  but  a  name.  In  prosperity  and 
in  adversity,  I  have  found  that  there  are 
true  friends.  I  have  loved,  and  I  have  been 
loved;  I  have  trusted,  and  I  have  been  con- 
fided in.  Life  would  indeed  have  been  dreary 
without  the  sympathy  and  communion  of 
friends,  —  especially  of  Christian  friends. 

"And  yet,  at  the  best,  earthly  friendships 
are  very  imperfect.  Liable  to  little  mistakes, 
—  to  partial  interruptions;  or,  if  unvarying 
in  their  character,  incapable  of  entering  into 
all  our  feelings,  or  of  responding  to  all  our 
emotions.     And  how  slight  is  the  tenure  by 


152 


which  they  are  held!  A  few  weeks,  a  few 
days,  nay,  a  few  hours,  and  the  most  loved 
of  our  circle  may  be  removed  from  us.  Death 
severs  the  closest  and  the  fondest  ties.  In 
yonder  church-yard  lie  the  remains  of  those 
who  were  once  my  dearest  companions.  Many 
gathered  round  me  in  early  life,  and  set  out 
with  me  on  the  pilgrimage  to  the  celestial 
city ;  but  now,  I  am  left  alone :  the  grave 
has  divided  us,  —  at  least  for  a  little  while." 

Ah,  in  the  last  half  of  that  sentence,  there 
was  a  cheering  truth  involved,  and  the  old 
man  felt  its  sweet  influence  steal  over  him. 

"  For  a  little  while !  —  yes,  we  shall  meet 
again.  They  will  not  return  to  me,  but  I 
shall  go  to  them.  I  sorrow  not  as  others 
without  hope,  for  I  know  that  those  who 
sleep  in  Jesus  God  will  bring  with  him,  and 
so  shall  we  ever  be  with  the  Lord.     In  this 


THE   UNCHANGING  FRIEND.  153 

world  of  partings,  how  delightful  is  the  assur- 
ance of  a  speedy  and  lasting  reunion  with 
all  those  dear  friends  who  have  departed 
in  the  true  faith  of  Christ." 

Like  the  sunshine  bursting  tlirough  a  dark 
cloud,  this  bright  anticipation  almost  dispelled 
the  old  man's  sadness ;  and  it  was  succeeded 
by  a  thought  so  full  of  consolation  and  joy, 
that  he  speedily  forgot  the  unpleasant  circum- 
stance which  had  lately  agitated  his  feelings. 

"  Yet  it  is  still  more  delightful  to  remember 
that  I  have  an  ever-living,  an  almighty  Friend. 
The  best  earthly  friends  may  change  or  die, 
but  Jesus  Christ  is  the  same  yesterday,  to-day, 
and  forever.  He  will  never  leave  me,  he 
will  never  forsake  me.  0,  why  shovild  I 
mourn  over  the  loss  or  the  inconstancy  of 
earthly  friends,  when  my  kind  and  sympa- 
thizing Saviour  is  ever  with  me  ?  " 


154  life's  evening. 


Reader,  you  cannot  have  advanced  thus 
far  in  the  experience  of  life,  without  having 
learned,  like  this  aged  pilgrim,  that  instability 
and  uncertainty  are  associated  with  all  human 
affections.  You  have  doubtless  mourned  over 
those  friends,  whom  time  or  circumstances, 
or  death,  have  parted  from  you;  but  have 
you  also  rejoiced  in  the  assurance  of  Christ's 
perpetual  and  never-changing  friendship  ?  Ah, 
there  are  many  who  have  been  deceived  and 
disappointed  in  the  trust  which  they  have 
reposed  in  their  fellow-creatures,  and  who 
have  also  never  sought  that  heavenly  Friend, 
with  whom  there  is  no  variableness  nor 
shadow  of  turning ;  there  are  many  who  have 
hewn  out  to  themselves  broken  cisterns  which 
could  hold  no  water,  who  have  yet  refused 
to  turn,  when  weary  and  dissatisfied,  to  the 
Fountain  of  living  waters. 


THE   UNCHANGING   FRIEND.  155 

"  0  Thou  who  dry'st  the  mourner's  tear, 
How  dark  this  world  would  be, 
If,  when  deceived  and  wounded  here. 
We  could  not  fly  to  thee." 

And  it  is  dark  to  those  who,  in  their  hours 
of  sorrow  and  desertion,  have  no  confidence 
in  the  Saviour,  no  rehance  on  his  love  and 
sympathy.  Tlie  heart  that  has  none  on  earth 
or  in  heaven,  around  whom  to  twine,  must 
indeed  be  a  desolate  and  drooping  heart. 
^J^od  grant  that  it  may  never  be  ours  !  Nor 
can  it,  if  we  are  united  by  a  simple  and 
living  faitli  to  Christ,  for  we  are  then  linked 
with  those  whom  he  graciously  calls  his 
"  friends ; "  and  are  assured  that  we  possess 
at  all  times,  and  under  every  circumstance, 
his  tender  and  unwavering  regard.  How 
cheering  and  all-sustaining,  amidst  the  sep- 
arations, the   imperfections,   and   the   declen- 


156  life's  evening. 


sions,  whicli  mark  the  fairest  of  earthly 
friendships,  is  the  consciousness  that  we  have 
an  unchanging  and  unfailing  Friend  who  is 
always  ready  to  impart  to  us  his  sympathy 
and  his  succor. 

"We  would  not  undervalue  the  preciousness 
of  earthly  love.  It  is  one  of  the  choicest 
gifts  which  God  bestows  upon  a  fallen  world. 
It  is  a  relic  of  paradise,  and  a  type  of  heaven. 
Yet  still  we  are  taught  by  experience  how 
precarious  is  the  tie  which  binds  us  to  th^ 
dearest  and  most  loved  friend.  It  is  impos- 
sible to  help  feeling  —  without  the  least 
inclination  towards  misanthropy  —  that  our 
affections  are  sometimes  misplaced,  that  our 
dependence  is  often  productive  of  disappoint- 
ment. Imperfection  and  uncertainty  are 
stamped  on  all  the  objects  and  relationships 
of    earth ;   for   "  this   is   not   our    rest ; "   we 


THE  UNCHANGING   FRIEND.  157 

are  destined  for  a  better  country,  the  bright 
inhabitants  of  which  are  linked  in  pure  and 
immortal  friendship.  And  while  we  antici- 
pate with  gladness  the  period  which  shall 
unite  us  with  that  holy  and  happy  brother- 
hood, we  will  remember  our  best  Friend, — 
the  Friend  that  sticketh  closer  than  a  brother, 
—  and  fearlessly  anchor  our  troubled  and  un- 
satisfied hearts  in  his  deep  and  changeless 
love.  That  resting-place  for  the  affections 
never  has  failed,  —  never  can  fail.  The  cir- 
cumstances which  enfeeble,  suspend,  and  ter- 
minate many  of  the  friendships  which  are 
formed  between  man  and  man,  possess  no 
influence  over  the  emotions  which  the  Saviour 
feels  towards  his  chosen  friends ;  and  are 
incapable  of  altering  the  position  in  which, 
if  Christians,  we  stand  with  regard  to  Christ. 
For    instance,   it   frequently   happens    that 

14 


158  life's  evening. 


the  distance  which  intervenes  between  some 
friend  and  ourselves  diminishes,  and  at  length, 
perhaps,  closes  our  friendship.  He  does  not 
intend,  when  separated,  to  forget  us,  but 
absence  gradually  lessens  the  strength  of  his 
attachment ;  his  correspondence  almost  imper- 
ceptibly declines,  or,  through  unavoidable 
circumstances,  is  hastily  ended;  and  as  time 
rolls  on,  he  grows  more  and  more  indifferent 
towards  us.  Had  he  always  remained  near 
us,  and  continued  the  personal  intercourse 
which  once  subsisted  between  us,  he  might 
not  have  changed;  but  in  his  removal  he 
verifies  the  truth  of  the  old  adage  J  "  Out  of 
sight,  out  of  mind."  Our  aged  readers  can, 
doubtless,  confirm  by  their  own  experience 
the  truth  of  this  statement.  They  can  recall 
to  mind  some,  it  may  be  several,  of  their 
early   acquaintances,  thus  geographically  di- 


^ 


THE   UNCHANGING  FRIEND.  159 

vided  from  them,  who  have  for  many  years 
been  as  strangers  to  them. 

But  the  Saviour,  although  personally  absent 
from  his  people,  never  for  one  moment  forgets 
them.  From  the  time  when  he  departed  from 
his  disciples  at  Bethany,  where  a  cloud  re- 
ceived him  out  of  their  sight,  he  gave  them 
the  most  indisputable  and  uninterrupted  proofs 
of  his  unchanged  affection.  He  ascended  then 
as  a  triumphant  conqueror  to  heaven,  and  was 
enthroned  at  the  right  hand  of  God ;  but  the 
glory  which,  as  the  Mediator,  was  bestowed 
upon  him,  could  not  intercept  from  his  view 
the  few  poor  fishermen  of  Galilee ;  nor  could 
the  songs  of  angelic  adoration  which  he  re- 
ceived hush  the  earnest  supplications  that 
rose  from  that  little  band  who  were  asseW 
bled  in  an  upper  chamber  at  Jerusalem.  No  ; 
his  love  was  the   same  in  heaven  as  it  had 


160  life's  evening. 


been  on  earth ;  and  tlie  rich  and  abundant 
gifts  which  were  poured  forth  upon  his  faith- 
ful disciples  were  the  immediate  results  of 
his  exaltation  and  intercession.  He  consoled 
and  guided  them  by  his  Spirit,  and  strength- 
ened them  for  the  avowal  and  defence  of 
his  truth.  In  his  remonstrance  with  the 
persecuting  Saul,  he  distinctly  identified  him- 
self with  his  people,  estimating  the  injuries 
done  to  them  as  if  inflicted  upon  himself, — 
"  Saul,  Saul,  why  persecutest  thou  me  ?  "  * 
and  he  manifested  the  same  deep  interest  in 
their  welfare  by  his  gracious  appearance  to 
the  Apostle  of  the  Gentiles,  when  He  bade 
him,  "  Be  of  good  cheer,"  and  prepared  him 
to  advocate  the  cause  of  his  Saviour  in  Rome. 
But  it  is  unnecessary  to  multiply  proofs, 
either  from  the  early  or  subsequent  history 

*  Acts  ix.  4. 


THE   UNCHANGING   FRIEND,  161 

of  the  Church,  of  the  unvaiying  character 
of  that  regard  which  the  ascended  Redeemer 
cherishes  for  all  those  who  through  grace 
have  accepted  his  gracious  overtures  of  friend- 
ship. We  need  only  appeal  to  yourselves, 
dear  readers,  as  witnesses  to  the  cheering 
fact,  that  the  love  of  Christ  —  that  love  which 
passeth  knowledge  —  is  unaffected  by  the  with- 
drawal of  his  personal  presence  from  amongst 
us.  His  continued  intercessions  on  our  behalf, 
his  rich  impartation  to  us  of  all  needful  grace, 
and  his  preparation  of  a  place  for  us  in  his 
Father's  house,  are  sure  evidences  of  his 
perpetual  and  affectionate  remembrance. 

Again,  one  of  the  causes  which  renders 
human  friendship  so  variable  is  alteration  in 
worldly  circumstances.  When  competency 
is  exchanged  for  poverty ;  when,  in  the  ex- 
pressive language  of  Scripture,  we  are  "  made 

14*  K 


162  life's  evening. 

low,"  —  what  a  change  passes  over  the  little 
world  in  which  we  dwell !  That  friendship 
is  indeed  true  and  valuable  which  will  stand 
such  a  testing-time ;  for  while  many  gather 
round  us  in  prosperity,  few  cleave  to  us  in 
adversity. 

"  The  friends  who  in  our  sunshine  live, 
When  winter  comes  are  flown." 

It  is  a  bitter  trial  to  find  ourselves  neglected 
and  forsaken,  when  we  are  most  in  need  of 
support  and  comfort;  but  it  is  a  sanctified 
trial  if  it  teaches  us  that  it  is  better  to  trust 
in  the  Lord  than  to  put  confidence  in  man; 
if  it  endears  to  us  that  heavenly  Friend, 
who,  though  he  was  rich,  yet  for  our  sakes 
became  poor,  that  we  through  his  poverty 
might  be  made  rich.  Lowly  indeed  was  his 
lot  on  earth:  he  had  not  where  to  lay  his 
head ;  and  his  chosen  friends  and  associates 


THE   UNCHANGING  FRIEND.  163 

were  from  the  Immblest  ranks  of  society. 
It  was  to  "the  poor"  that  he  especially  pro- 
clairaed  the  blessings  of  his  Gospel ;  and  the 
sarcastic  designation  of  his  opponents,  which 
styled  him  "  a  friend  of  publicans  and  sin- 
ners," was,  in  reality,  beautifully  expressive 
of  his  true  character. 

By  his  own  position  in  the  world,  by  his 
mingling  chiefly  with  those  who  were  poor 
and  despised  of  men,  and  by  the  low  and 
obscure  situations  in  which  the  majority  of 
his  disciples  have  served  him,  poverty  has 
been  elevated  and  dignified.  Not  many  noble, 
not  many  mighty,  does  the  Saviour  call ;  but 
he  chooses  the  poor  in  this  world,  and  makes 
them  heirs  of  that  glorious  kingdom  which 
he  has  promised  to  them  that  love  him. 

The  wealthy  and  the  fashionable  may  grow 
cold  and  distant,  when  penury  and   distress 


164 


enter  our  home ;  but  Christ  makes  our  season 
of  affliction  only  the  means  of  drawing  us 
more  closely  to  himself.  Our  loss  of  property 
or  income,  instead  of  raising  a  barrier  between 
him  and  us,  links  us  more  firmly  together.  He 
soothes  our  spirit ;  sympathizes  with  our  grief ; 
and  promises  that  he  will  never  forsake  us. 

Or,  it  is  possible  that  the  natural  infirmities 
of  age,  and  a  long-declining  state  of  health, 
may  gradually  narrow  the  circle  of  our  friends. 
Deafness,  or  blindness,  or  sickness,  makes  our 
society  less  attractive  than  formerly.  It  is 
wearisome,  perhaps,  to  sit  beside  us,  day  after 
day,  and  strive  to  interest  us ;  and  therefore 
some  who  were  once  warm  and  even  sincere 
in  their  professions  of  attachment  to  us,  grow 
tired  of  the  society  of  an  aged  invafid,  and 
their  visits  become  few  and  far  between. 
We    feel    sometimes,    when    contrasting    the 


THE  UNCHANGING   FRIEND.  165 

present  with  the  past,  that  we   are  forsaken 
and  alone  in  the  world,  that  we  are  a  burden 
to  ourselves  and  to  others.     Old  age   brings^g. 
with  it  a  sensitiveness   on  this   point,  which 
occasions  much  mental  disquietude,  and  fre- 
quently produces  a  fretful  and  repining  spirit. 
ft 
Let  us  endeavor,  in  moments  of  loneliness 

and  depression,  to  tranquillize  and  divert 
our  thoughts  by  dwelling  upon  the  steadfast- 
ness of  Christ  towards  us.  He  does  not  cast 
us  off  in  the  time  of  old  age,  nor  forsake  us 
when  our  strength  fails ;  he  is  not  weary  of 
listening  to  the  oft-repeated  narrative  of  our 
wants  and  ailments,  nor  reluctant  to  cheer 
the  solitude  of  life's  evening ;  but  he  beauti- 
fully fulfils  to  us  his  own  promise,  "  Even 
to  hoar  hairs  will  I  carry  you."  As  we  walk 
with  trembling  steps  through  the  valley  of 
the  shadow  of  death;    as  we  miss  from  our 


166  life's  evening. 

side  the  friend  on  whose  arm  we  might  have 
leaned  for  support  and  protection ;  the  Saviour 
bids  us  fear  no  evil,  because  he  is  with  us; 
his  rod  and  his  staff  will  comfort  us;  and 
his  presence  shall  perpetually  abide  with  us. 
Our  weakness  and  our  infirmity  may  tend 
to  loosen  some  of  our  earthly  ties,  but  cannot 
diminish  his  kind  sympathy  with  us.  Friends 
may  fail  us,  but  he  will  never  leave  us. 

And  even  should  our  friends  prove  faithful ; 
should  they  retain  in  old  age  the  affection 
which  they  manifested  towards  us  in  youth, 
yet  how  suddenly  and  irrevocably  may  they 
be  parted  from  us  by  death.  "Our  days 
on  the  earth  are  as  a  shadow,  and  there  is 
none  abiding.'*  The  dearest  ones,  around 
whom  our  affections  are  so  firmly  entwined, 
may  soon  be  summoned  into  the  presence 
of  their  Maker,  and  leave  us  to  tread  alone 


THE   UNCHANGING   FRIEND.  16 T 


the  remainder  of  our  lengthened  journey.  We 
may  have  to  see  the  grave  opened  for  those 
whose  hands  we  imagined  would  tenderly  close 
our  eyes  at  the  last.  Stay!  have  we  not 
already  seen  this  ?  have  not  the  separations  of 
the  tomb  been  painfully  realized  in  our  past 
history?  The  green  hillock,  —  the  marble 
tablet,  —  are  they  not  cherished  memorials  of 
the  departed,  who  still  live  in  our  hearts,  and 
are  enshrined  in  our  recollections  ?  More 
eloquent  than  the  preacher's  words,  more  pow- 
erful than  the  written  admonition,  are  the 
vacant  seats  in  our  households,  —  yes,  and  at 
our  firesides.  Ah !  the  stern  precept,  "  Cease 
ye  from  man,  whose  breath  is  in  his  nostrils ; 
for  wherein  is  he  to  be  accounted  of?"*  has 
received  frequent  and  practical  illustration  in 
the  events  of  bygone  days.     The  tolling  bell 

*  Isa.  ii.  22. 


168  life's  evening. 


has  mournfully  reminded  us  that  change  and 
decay  are  stamped  upon  all  the  things  of  earth ; 
the  cypress-tree  has  darkly  shadowed  forth  the 
solemn  truth,  that,  "  Li  the  midst  of  life  we 
are  in  death."  *  Well,  be  it  so  ;  we  will  not 
murmur  that  God  gathers  the  ripest  fruit  and 
the  choicest  flowers  from  our  gardens,  since  he 
gives  us  himself  as  our  portion.  We  will  not 
forget,  as  we  sorrow  over  the  dead,  that  "  the 
Lord  liveth !  "  While  thinking  of  the  friends 
whom  the  last  enemy  has  snatched  from  our 
grasp,  we  will  gratefully  remember  that  Sav- 
iour from  whom  neither  death  nor  the  grave 
can  part  us.  Around  our  desolated  hearths, 
and  in  our  solitary  eventide,  his  voice  is  heard 
sweetly  saying  unto  us,  "  Fear  not ;  for  I  am 
with  thee  !  "  f 

Yes,  Lord,  thou  art  with  us,  our  firm,  our 

*  Prayer-Book.  f  Isa.  xliii.  5. 


THE   UNCHANGING   FRIEND.  169 

changeless,  our  undying  Friend !  "  Thou  art 
the  same,  and  thy  years  shall  have  no  end."  * 
Death  cannot  divide  thee  from  thy  people,  for 
that  vanquished  foe  hath  no  power  over  its 
almighty  Conqueror;  and  it  cannot  separate 
them  from  their  Saviour,  for  its  touch  will  only 
usher  them  into  his  immediate  and  visible 
presence. 

"  There  is  no  death;  what  seems  so,  is  transition."      ^/ 

0,  we  are  "  persuaded,  that  neither  death,  nor 
life,  nor  angels,  nor  principalities,  nor  powers, 
nor  things  present,  nor  things  to  come,  nor 
height,  nor  depth,  nor  any  other  creature,  shall 
be  able  to  separate  us  from  the  love  of  God, 
which  is  in  Clirist  Jesus  our  Lord."  f 

Then  let  us  comfort  one  another  with  this 
thought.  Let  the  recollection  of  our  indissolu- 
ble union  with  Christ,  and  of  his  eternal  and 

*  Ps.  cii.  27.  t  Rom.  viii.  38,  39. 

15 


170  life's  evening. 

unchanging  affection  for  us,  solace  and  refresh 
our  spirits.  "  Having  loved  his  own  which 
were  in  the  world,  he  loved  them  unto  the 
end."  *  Yes,  neither  external  circumstances, 
nor  the  decay  of  nature,  nor  even  continual 
infirmity  and  sinfulness,  can  alienate  the  heart 
of  the  Saviour  from  those  whom  he  has  chosen, 
and  called,  and  blessed.  Heaven  and  earth 
may  pass  away,  but  his  word  —  that  word 
which  assures  us  of  the  freeness  and  perpetuity 
of  his  love  —  abideth  forever. 

Aged  Christian !  dwell  much  on  the  charac- 
ter and  conduct  of  this  mighty  and  faithful 
Friend:  "casting  all  your  care  upon  him; 
for  he  careth  for  you."  f  As  life  declines,  let 
his  preciousness  increase ;  as  the  associations 
of  earth  gradually  lessen,  cling  more  closely 
and    confidingly   to   him.     Think   of  him,   as 

*  John  xiii.  1.  f  1  Peter  v.  7. 


THE  UNCHANGING   FRIEND.  171 

preparing  a  place  for  you  iii  the  heavenly 
mansions ;  and  as  coming  to  receive  you  unto 
himself,  that  where  he  is,  there  you  may  be 
also.  And  if,  while  now  you  see  him  not,  you 
can  rejoice  in  him  with  joy  that  is  unspeakable 
and  full  of  glory ;  what  will  be  the  rapture  of 
your  emancipated  spirit,  when  you  are  admit- 
ted to  full  and  uninterrupted  communion  with 
him !  If  now,  while  you  only  behold  him  as 
through  a  glass  darkly,  he  is,  in  your  appre- 
hension, the  fairest  among  ten  thousand  and 
the  altogether  lovely ;  how  will  your  admira- 
tion be  increased,  when  you  behold  him  face 
to  face  !  If  now,  while  you  know  him  but  in 
part,  your  acquaintance  with  him  is  the  source 
of  purest  and  inexpressible  pleasure,  who  shall 
estimate  the  happiness  and  the  delight  which 
shall  result  from  your  knowing  even  as  you 
are  known? 


mk  k  3mm. 


J 

U  /^^Bi  'ine  not  off  in  the  time  of  old  age; 
forsake  me  not  when  my  strength  fail- 
e//i."  — Ps.  Ixxi.  9. 

Aged  believer!  you  feel  your  dependence 
upon  God  for  support  and  succor.  If  he 
should  forsake  you,  if  he  should  cast  you  off, 
you  would  indeed  be  helpless  and  hopeless. 
But  you  rejoice  in  the  assurance  that  this  can 
never  be  realized.  You  know  that  he  will 
never  leave  you  to  bear  up  alone  the  pressure 
of  your  trials  and  infirmities ;  that  he  will 
never  relax  the  grasp  which  enfolds  you  in  his 


WORDS   IN   SEASON.  173 

love.  And  therefore  your  prayer  is  rather  the 
expression  of  confidence,  than  the  apprehension 
of  fear.  You  ask  for  that  which  he  has  prom- 
ised, which  you  are  certain  he  will  grant,  — 
the  continuance  of  his  gracious  aid.  In  youth- 
ful days,  it  may  be,  in  healthful  hours,  you 
found  that  without  him  you  were  weak  and 
unprotected ;  and  now  in  the  time  of  old  age, 
when  your  strength  faileth,  you  are  more 
deeply  conscious  of  your  need  of  his  help. 
Well,  ask,  and  you  shall  receive ;  cast  your 
burden,  cast  yourself  upon  him,  and  he  will 
sustain  you.  Fear  not,  for  he  is  with  you  ;  be 
not  dismayed,  for  he  is  your  God ;  he  will 
strengthen  you;  yea,  he  will  help  you;  yea, 
he  will  uphold  you  with  the  right  hand  of  his 
righteousness.*  These  things  will  he  do  unto 
you,  and  will  never  forsake  you. 

*  Isa.  xli.  10. 
15* 


174  life's  evening. 


"  Why  should  I  doubt  His  love  at  last, 

With  anxious  thoughts  perplexed  ? 
Who  saved  me  in  the  troubles  past 

Will  save  me  in  the  next. 
Will  save,  —  till  at  my  latest  hour, 

With  more  than  conquest  blest, 
I  soar  beyond  temptation's  power, 

And  enter  into  rest." 

"  TJlou  hast  taught  me  from  my  youth :  and 
hitherto  have  I  declared  thy  wondrous  works. 
Now  also  when  I  am  old  and  gray-headed^  O 
God,  forsake  me  not.^^  —  Ps.  Ixxi.  17, 18. 

"  Thou  hast  taught  me  from  my  youth." 
How  encouraging  it  is  to  look  back  to  our 
early  life,  and  recognize  the  goodness  of  God 
in  its  varied  events  !  He  was  our  Guide,  our 
Instructor,  our  Father.  He  restrained  us  from 
evil ;  counselled  us  in  difficulty ;  directed  us 
in  uncertainty  ;  i3reserved  us  through  danger. 
All  the  knowledge  which  we  have  gained  of 


WORDS   IN   SEASON.  175 


his  character,  of  his  will,  of  ourselves,  of  futu- 
rity, he  has  communicated  to  us.  And  how 
gradual,  how  wise,  how  gentle  are  his  teach- 
ings !  How  patiently  has  he  borne  with  our 
ignorance  and  forgetfulness  !  how  tenderly  has 
he  imparted  his  most  difficult  lessons  !  And 
though  we  have  been  dull  and  wayward  schol- 
ars ;  though  we  have  not  profited  as  we  might 
have  done  by  his  Divine  instructions ;  yet  we 
know,  if  we  are  disciples  of  Christ,  that  we 
have  so  learned  of  him  as  to  find  rest  unto 
our  souls.  We  have  learned  to  rely  upon  his 
strength,  to  depend  upon  his  faithfulness,  to 
trust  in  his  righteousness. 

"And  hitherto  have  I  declared  thy  won- 
drous works."  Grateful  for  his  favors  towards 
us,  we  have  striven  to  live  to  his  praise,  and 
show  forth  his  glory.  It  has  been  our  aim  to 
communicate  to  others  the  knowledge  which 


176  life's  evening. 


we  have  received.  We  have  spoken  of  his 
goodness  to  those  around  us.  We  have  not 
been  ashamed  of  his  Gospel,  nor  indifferent  to 
his  honor. 

"  Now  also  when  I  am  old  and  gray-headed, 
0  God,  forsake  me  not."  "  Those  who  have 
been  taught  of  God  from  their  youth,  and 
have  made  it  the  business  of  their  lives  to 
serve  and  honor  him,  may  be  sure  that  he  will 
not  leave  them  when  they  are  old  and  gray- 
headed  :  he  is  not  a  Master  that  is  wont  to 
cast  off  old  servants." 

"  In  early  years  Thou  wast  my  Guide, 

And  of  my  youth  the  Friend ; 

And  as  my  days  began  with  thee, 

With  thee  my  days  shall  end." 

"  And  even  to  your  old  age  I  am  lie ;  and 
even  to  hoar  hairs  ivill  I  carry  you^  —  Isa. 
xlvi.  4. 


WORDS  IN   SEASON.  177 

Ah,  Christian,  here  is  ground  for  your 
confidence  in  God.  You  have  his  promise 
that  he  will  be  with  you  in  your  old  age,  to 
support  you  under  its  infirmities,  and  there- 
fore you  are  cheerful  and  tranquil.  Listen  to 
the  testimony  of  an  aged  pilgriro/S,"  What  a 
comfort  it  is,  as  we  get  old  and  feeble,  and 
friends  drop  off  one  after  another,  to  remem- 
ber that  our  God  does  not  change !  He  says 
to  us, '  I  am  he  ; '  the  same  that  I  ever  was : 
'  I  am  he ; '  the  Lord  who  preserved  and 
guided  you  from  your  infancy  ;  '  I  am  he : ' 
all  that  I  have  promised  to  be  to  you  ;  all  that 
you  can  possibly  need.  'And  even  to  hoar 
hairs  will  I  carry  you.'  What  tender  and 
expressive  language  !  How  can  we  help  trust- 
ing in  such  a  mighty  and  loving  Friend  ? 
Whether  we  look  at  the  present  or  the  future, 
there  is  no  room  for  fear.     Those  who   can 


178  life's  evening. 

walk,  have  his  rod  and  staff  to  help  and  com- 
fort them  ;  and  those  who  cannot  walk,  find 
that  his  everlasting  arms  are  beneath  them, 
and  that  they  are  borne  safely  onwards.  We 
are  like  children,  who,  when  they  are  weak 
and  tired,  are  carried  in  a  father's  arms,  and 
lifted  over  difficulty  and  danger.'' 

"  Fear  not,  I  am  with  thee ;  0,  be  not  dismayed ! 
I,  I  am  thy  God,  and  will  still  give  thee  aid ; 
I  '11  strengthen  thee,  help  thee,  and  cause  thee  to  stand, 
Upheld  by  my  righteous,  omnipotent  hand. 


"  E'en  down  to  old  age  all  my  people  shall  prove 
My  sovereign,  eternal,  unchangeable  love ; 
And  when  hoary  hairs  shall  their  temples  adorn. 
In  the  arms  of  my  mercy  they  still  shall  be  borne." 


"  The  hoary  head  is  a  croivn  of  glory ^  if  it 
be  found  in  the  ivay  of  righteousness.^^ — Prov. 
xvi.    31. 

Old  age  is  honorable,  and  commands  respect. 


WOKDS   IN   SEASON.  179 

"  Thou  slialt  rise  up  before  the  hoary  head, 
and  honor  the  face  of  the  old  man."  *  But 
we  cannot  expect  to  receive  true  and  lasting 
deference  from  others,  unless  our  character  is 
calculated  to  win  their  esteem.  Superiority  in 
age  should  be  combined  with  superiority  in 
excellence.  Multitude  of  years  should  teach 
wisdom.  "  The  hoary  head  is  a  crown  of 
glory,  if"  —  mark  that  —  "if  it  be  found  in 
the  way  of  righteousness."  If  it  be  found  in 
the  way  of  wickedness,  its  honor  is  forfeited, 
its  crown  profaned  and  laid  in  the  dust.  How 
is  it  with  you,  reader?  Are  you  sanctified 
through  faith  in  Christ  ?  are  you  "  walking  in 
all  the  commandments  and  ordinances  of  the 
Lord,  blameless"?!  0,  how  lovely  and  dig- 
nified is  old  age  when  marked  by  piety  and 
consistency ! 

*  Lev.  xix.  32.  t  Luke  i.  6. 


180 


"  When  piety  adorns  declining  years, 
The  hoary  head  a  glorious  crown  appears ; 
A  dignity  no  earthly  rank  bestows 
Marks  the  believer  then;  and  sweet  repose 
Is  stamped  upon  his  features ;  all  who  gaze, 
Revere  his  person,  and  his  vu*tues  praise." 

"  Which  hope  ive  have  as  an  anchor  of  the 
soul,  both  sure  and  steadfast,  and  which  enter- 
eth  into  that  within  the  veil.^^  —  Heb.  vi.  19. 
'  A  vessel  was  driving  ashore.  Her  anchors 
were  gone,  and  she  refused  to  obey  the  hehn. 
A  few  moments  more,  and  she  would  strike. 
If  any  should  be  saved,  they  must  be  tossed  by 
the  waves  on  the  beach.  In  the  midst  of  the 
general  consternation,  there  was  one  person 
quite  calm.  He  had  done  all  that  a  man 
could  do  to  prepare  for  the  worst,  when  the 
wreck  was  inevitable  ;  and  now  that  death  was 
apparently  near,  he  was  quietly  waiting  the 
event.    A  friend  of  his  asked  the  reason  of  his 


WORDS   IN   SEASON.  181 

calmness  in  the  midst  of  dangers  so  immi- 
nent :  — 

"  Do  you  not  know  that  the  anchor  is  gone, 
and  we  are  drifting  upon  the  coast  ?  " 

"  Certainly  I  do ;  but  I  have  an  anchor  to 
the  soul."  On  this  was  his  trust.  It  entered 
into  that  within  the  veil.  It  was  the  ground 
of  his  confidence  in  the  storm,  and  enabled 
him  to  ride  securely  in  the  view  of  instant  and 
awful  death. 

Have  you  this  anchor,  reader  ?  Is  the  hope 
of  the  Gospel  yours  ?  Amidst  the  storms  and 
trials  of  life,  and  in  the  prospect  of  danger  and 
death,  are  you  calm  and  trustful,  assured  that 
you  will  soon  be  admitted  into  the  haven  of 
everlasting  peace  ? 

Or  are  you  destitute  of  this  hope  ?  With- 
out it,  how  can  you  be  happy?  Without  it, 
what  will   you   do  in  the   swellings   of  Jor- 

16 


182         ,  life's  evening. 

dan  ?  It  may  be  yours ;  yours  even  now,  if 
you  will  seek  it,  if  you  will  accept  it.  The 
gift  of  God  is  eternal  life.  Confidence  in  him, 
—  faith  m  Christ,  —  will  link  your  tempest- 
tost,  troubled,  and  perishing  spirit  with  per- 
petual repose  and  security,  —  with  the  unseen 
glories  of  heaven. 

"  How  still,  amidst  commotion, 

The  bark  at  anchor  cast ; 
Around  her  heaves  the  ocean, 

The  anqhor  holds  her  fast. 
So  hope,  an  anchor  of  the  soul, 

How  steadfast,  to  the  saint  is  given: 
Though  waves  of  trouble  round  him  roU, 

His  hope  is  fixed  in  heaven." 

"  They  shall  still  bring  forth  fruit  in  old 
age.^^  —  Ps.  xcii.  14. 

The  palm-tree — to  which  God's  people  are 
in  this  psalm  compared  —  is  remarkable  for  its 
lengthened  and  increasing  fruitfulness.     The 


WORDS  IN  SEASON.  183 

best  dates  are  said  to  be  gathered  when  it  has 
reached  a  hundred  years.  How  beautiful  an 
emblem  of  the  aged  believer,  growing  in  grace 
and  maturing  in  holiness  to  the  close  of  his 
earthly  existence !  Each  day,  each  year,  added 
to  his  life,  adds  to  the  loveliness  and  perfection 
of  his  Christian  virtues.  His  character  has  a 
mellowness  and  sweetness  which  it  lacked  in 
earlier  seasons.  He  is  ripening  for  heaven. 
In  knowledge,  in  wisdom,  in  love,  in  humility, 
in  gentleness,  in  forbearance,  in  peace,  in  use- 
fulness, in  happiness,  he  is  steadily  and  con- 
stantly advancing.  He  is  filled  with  the 
Spirit,  and  therefore  brings  forth  the  fruits  of 
the    Spirit. 

Is  this  portraiture  of  an  aged  Christian 
yours,  reader  ?  Alas  !  it  does  not  belong  to  all 
who  profess  and  call  themselves  by  the  Sav- 
iour's  name.      Nay,   it  may   be   feared   that 


184 


there  are  some,  really  and  manifestly  his,  to 
Tvhom  it  bears  but  little  resemblance.  They 
have  long  been  "  planted  "  in  the  house  of  the 
Lord,  but  they  do  not  appear  to  "  flourish  "  in 
the  courts  of  our  God  ;  and  as  years  augment, 
they  seem  to  imagine  that  the  infirmities  of 
age  are  excuses  for  their  little  fruitfulness. 
But  they  certainly  never  gathered  such  an 
idea  from  God's  word ;  nor  rightly  studied 
and  pleaded  his  promises  to  themselves.  Fol- 
low not  their  example.  Rest  not  satisfied  with 
past  attainments.  Strive  to  glorify  God  more 
than  you  have  ever  yet  done.  Let  your  last 
days  be  your  best  days ;  your  latest  fruit,  the 
richest.  "  And  this  I  pray,  that  your  love 
may  abound  yet  more  and  more  in  knowledge 
and  in  all  judgment ;  that  ye  may  approve 
things  that  are  excellent ;  that  ye  may  be  sin- 
cere and  without  offence  till  the  day  of  Christ ; 


WORDS   IN   SEASON.  185 

being  filled  with  the  fruits  of  righteousness, 
which  are  by  Jesus  Christ,  unto  the  glory  and 
praise  of  God."  * 

"  How  beautiful  to  see 
The  clustered  fruit  upon  the  bending  tree ! 
Yet  lovelier  still  the  graces  which  adorn 

The  soul  that's  heaven-bom. 
And  age  does  not  diminish,  but  increase 
The  precious  fruits  of  love,  and  joy,  and  peace. 
And  gentleness,  and  patience ;  at  life's  close, 
Each  Christian  virtue  more  luxuriant  grows." 

''My  times  are  in  thy  hand.^^  —  Ps.  xxxi.  15. 

Then  I  am  sure  that  they  will  be  wisely 
ordered.  Thou  hast  all  power  in  heaven  and 
in  earth;  thou  art  acquainted  with  the  end 
from  the  beginning;  everything  is  subject  to 
thy  control,  and  the  future,  to  thee,  is  as  the 
present ;  therefore  there  can  be  no  mistake  in 
thy  purposes ;   no  imperfection  in  thy  plans. 

*  Phil.  i.    9-11. 
16* 


186  life's  evening. 


''Mrj  times  are  in  thy  hand.''  Then  I  will 
not  be  anxious  nor  distressed  about  the  future. 
Yaried  may  be  the  times  which  I  have  yet  to 
experience,  —  times  of  sorrow  or  joy  ;  of  pov- 
erty or  plenty ;  of  sickness  or  health ;  of  life 
or  death :  but  I  can  calmly  leave  them  to  thy 
disposal.  I  cannot  foresee  the  events  which 
thy  providence  appoints,  but  I  can  wait  and 
trust.  The  period  and  the  manner  of  my  de- 
parture hence  are  unknown  to  me,  but  I  am 
free  from  all  solicitude  on  these  points,  because 
thou  hast  arranged  them  for  the  best. 

"  My  times  are  in  thy  hand ;  the  night,  the  day, 
The  moon's  pale  glimmering,  and  the  sunny  ray 
Are  thine ;  and  thine  the  midnight  of  the  grave : 
O,  be  thou  there  to  strengthen  and  to  save, 
To  light  death's  valley  with  thy  beam  of  love, 
And  smile  a  Avelcome  to  thy  throne  above." 

''Bless  the  Lord^  O  my  soul;  and  all  that  is 


WORDS   IN   SEASON.  18T 

ivithin  me,  bless  his  holy  name.  Bless  the 
Lord,  O  my  soul,  and  forget  not  all  his  bene- 
fits:'-^V^.  ciii.  1,  2. 

How  animating  is  the  sight  of  an  aged  Chris- 
tian, who  is  rejoicing  in  hope  of  the  glory  of 
God;  and  furnishing,  by  daily  conduct,  a 
bright  example  to  others  of  cheerfulness  and 
gratitude !  His  life  is  a  psalm  of  thanks- 
giving ;  his  happy  look  and  thankful  spirit  fill 
his  home  with  sunshine.  It  is  impossible  to  be 
long  in  his  society,  without  feeling  gladdened 
and  invigorated  by  it.  You  can  scarcely  tell 
why,  but  you  feel  less  disposed  to  complain, 
and  more  inclined  to  rejoice,  than  you  did 
before.  Your  own  path  seems  to  grow  more 
hopeful  and  promising ;  you  are  reminded  of 
mercies  which  you  had  hitherto  forgotten  ;  and 
the  troubles  which  you  thought  so  heavy  in- 
sensibly grow  lighter.     The  fact  is,  that,  for  a 


188     '  life's  evening. 

time  at  least,  you  have  caught  his  spirit,  and 
imbibed  his  tone  of  mind. 

A  lovely  instance  of  real  and  sustained 
cheerfulness  was  the  late  justly  celebrated 
William  Wilberforce.  "  A  stranger  might 
have  noticed  that  he  was  more  uniformly 
cheerful*  than  most  men  of  his  time  of  life. 
Closer  observation  showed  a  vein  of  Christian 
feeling,  mingling  with,  and  purifying,  the  nat- 
ural flow  of  a  most  happy  temper ;  whilst 
those  who  lived  most  continually  with  him 
could  trace  distinctly  in  his  tempered  sorrows, 
and  sustained  and  almost  childlike  gladness  of 
heart,  the  continual  presence  of  that  peace 
which  the  world  can  neither  give  nor  take 
away.  The  pages  of  his  later  journal  are  full 
of  bursts  of  joy  and  thankfulness ;  and  with 
his  children  and  his  chosen  friends,  his  full 
heart   swelled   out   ever  in  the  same  blessed 


WORDS   IN   SEASON.  189 

strains ;  he  seemed  too  happy  not  to  express 
his  happiness  ;  his  song  was  ever  of  the  loving- 
kindness  of  the  Lord."  Everything  became 
with  him  a  cause  for  thanksgiving.  When 
some  of  the  infirmities  of  years  began  to  press 
upon  him,  "  What  thanks  do  I  owe  to  God," 
was  his  reflection,  "  that  my  decHning 
strength  appears  likely  not  to  be  attended  with 
painful  diseases,  but  rather  to  lessen  gradu- 
ally, and  by  moderate  degrees !  How  good  a 
friend  God  is  to  me  !  When  I  have  any  com- 
plaint, it  is  always  so  mitigated  and  softened, 
as  to  give  me  scarcely  any  pain.  '  Bless  the 
Lord,  0  my  soul.'  What  thanks  do  I  owe  to 
my  gracious  and  kind  Heavenly  Father!" 
And  so,  when  one  of  his  friends  had  passed 
through  a  painful  operation,  "  Seldom,"  he 
says,  "have  I  felt  anything  so  deeply.  How 
thankful  should  I  be  to  be  spared  such  trials, 


190 


my  strength  not  being  equal  to  them !  I  hum- 
bly commit  myself  unto  Him,  who  surely  has 
given  me  reagbn  to  say,  '  Goodness  and  mercy 
have  followed  me  all  my  days.' " 

Aged  Christian,  do  you  sympathize  with 
these  feehngs?  do  you  share  this  thankful- 
ness? do  you  manifest  this  gladness?  "The 
fruit  of  the  Spirit  is  love,  jot/,  peace."  *  Ev- 
ery allowance  must  be  made  for  natural  tem- 
perament. Some  persons  are  naturally  san- 
guine and  cheerful ;  others  are  naturally 
gloomy  and  desponding.  But,  in  either  case, 
the  promises  of  the  Gospel,  if  simply  believed 
and  heartily  appropriated,  cannot  fail  to  glad- 
den the  heart,  and  influence  the  conduct. 
And  it  is  no  less  our  duty  than  our  privilege, 
to  "  rejoice  in  the  Lord  alway ; "  to  "  show 
forth  his  loving-kindness  in  the  morning,  and 

*  Gal.  V.  22. 


WORDS   IN   SEASON.  191 

his  faithfulness  every  night ;  "  to  "  be  thankful 
unto  him,  and  bless  his  name."*  We  must 
cultivate  this  joyous  and  grateful  frame  of 
mind ;  we  must  strive,  by  meditation,  practice, 
and  prayer,  to  acquire  or  to  strengthen  it ;  for 
we  ought  no  more  to  dishonor  God  by  our  un- 
happiness  and  unthankfulness,  than  by  our 
unholiness. 

The  weakness  and  the  infirmities  of  old  age 
sometimes  tend  to  depress  our  spirits  and  dim 
our  hopes.  Therefore  let  us  be  upon  our 
guard ;  and  instead  of  giving  way  to  discon- 
tent and  despondency,  let  us  count  up  our 
mercies,  and  look  more  steadfastly  on  the 
bright  side  of  things ;  and  as  often  as  we  do 
this,  sadness  will  be  chased  from  our  brow, 
and  the  self-exhortation  to  praise  will  burst 
from  our  lips,  "Bless  the  Lord,  0  my  soul; 

*  Ps.  xcii.  2;  c.  4. 


192 

life's  evening. 

and  all  that  is  witliin  me,  bless  his  holy  name. 

Bless  the  Lord,  0  my  soul,  and  forget  not  all 

his  benefits." 

"  Farewell  to  sadness, 

Let  every  tear  depart ; 
Wake  all  to  gladness, 

'^ 

Wake,  0  my  heart! 

t- 

Shall  worldly  triflers  raise  the  song 

O'er  pleasures  they  must  lose  erelong? 

And  shall  not  those  rejoice  and  sing 

Who  love  the  Heavenly  King  ? 

■) 

Let  saints  on  earth  unite  then-  voice 

t 

With  saints  that  round  the  throne  rejoice ; 

^ 

-^K^ 

And  here  begin  the  song  that  through 

^ 

Eternal  years  is  new." 

"  Though  our  outward  man  perish,  yet  the 

inward ' 

man  is  renewed  day  by  day''  —  2  Cor. 

iv.  16. 

^^We 

must  of  necessity,"  says  a  celebrated 

writer,  * 

'  become  better  or  worse  as  we  advance 

in  years 

.     Unless  we  endeavor  to  spiritualize 

WORDS  IN  SEASON.  193 

ourselves,  and  supplicate  in  this  endeavor  for  ' 
that  grace  which  is  never  withheld  when  it  is 
sincerely  and  earnestly  sought,  age  bodylizes 
us  more  and  more,  and  the  older  we  grow  the 
more  are  we  imbruted  and  debased ;  —  so 
manifestly  is  the  text  verified  which  warns  us 
that  *  Unto  every  one  which  hath  shall  be 
given ;  and  from  him  that  hath  not,  even  that 
he  hath  shall  be  taken  away.'  *  In  some,  the 
soul  seems  gradually  to  be  absorbed  and  extin- 
guished in  its  crust  of  clay ;  in  others,  as  if  it 
purified  and  sublimed  the  vehicle  to  which  it 
was  united.  Nothing  therefore  is  more  beau- 
tiful than  a  wise  and  religious  old  age ;  noth- 
ing so  pitiable  as  the  latter  stages  of  mortal 
existence,  when  the  world,  and  the  flesh,  and 
that  false  philosophy  which  is  of  the  Devil, 
have  secured  the  victory  for  the  grave." 

*  Luke  xix.  26. 

17  M 


194  life's  evening. 


Aged  Christian,  thank  God  for  the  strength- 
ening and  invigorating  grace  which  he  imparts 
to  you.  Your  earthly  frame  is  weak  and  en- 
feebled ;  it  has  lost  its  vigor  and  elasticity ;  it 
is  harassed  with  pain  and  infirmity;  it  must 
soon  die.  But  while  your  body  decays,  your 
soul  thrives.  If  the  one  is  preparing  for  the 
grave,  the  other  is  ripening  for  glory.  Your 
faith  grows  firmer ;  your  hope  stronger ;  your 
love  deeper;  your  views  clearer. 

"  The  soul's  poor  cottage,  battered  and  decayed, 
Lets  in  new  light  through  chinks  which  time  hath  made." 

"  For  our  light  affliction^  which  is  but  for  a 
moment,  worketh  for  us  a  far  more  exceeding' 
and  eternal  weight  of  glory. ^^ —  2  Cor.  iv.  17. 

"  In  visiting,"  writes  a  clergyman,  "  a  poor 
man  who  has  been  bedridden  these  twenty- 
five  years,  I  was  preparing  to  pity  him,  but 
he  called  on  me  to  rejoice.     "  Are  you  not 


WORDS  IN   SEASON.  195 

wearied  out  with  the  length  of  your  afflic- 
tions ?  "  "  Wearied,  sir !  "  said  he  ;  "  no, 
nature  will  soon  faint ;  but  God  sustains  me. 
I  could  lie  here  for  another  twenty-five  years, 
if  it  pleased  God.  I  have  found  this  bed  to 
be  the  very  gate  of  heaven.  Length  of  my 
affliction,  sir!  0,  let  ^le  not  call  it  long:  it 
is  short,  very  short,  and  will  soon  be  over. 
These  light  afflictions,  which  are  biit  for  a 
moment,  work  for  me  a  far  more  exceeding 
and  eternal  weight  of  glory.  Is  not  God  all 
love  ?  He  cannot  then  be  unkind.  Is  he  not 
all-wise?  He  cannot  then  do  wrong.  Are 
not  his  promises  yea  and  amen  in  Christ 
Jesus?  He  cannot  then  break  his  word. 
None  who  have  trusted  him  have  repented  of 
it.  0  sir,  I  dare  not  complain.  My  affliction 
is  a  mercy." 

Troubled  and  afflicted  Christian,  remember, 


196  life's  evening. 

the  troubles  of  earth  will  enhance  the  joys  of 
heaven.  And,  compared  with  that  weight  of 
glory  which  is  prepared  for  you  above,  are  not 
your  sorrows  light  ?  Measured  by  the  eter- 
nity of  the  happiness  you  anticipate,  is  not 
their  duration  that  of  a  moment?  Murmur 
not  at  the  present ;  think  of  the  future.  How 
striking  the  contrast!  How  glorious  the 
change ! 

"  The  gloom  of  the  night  adds  a  charm  to  the  morn ; 

Stem  winter  the  spring-time  endears ; 
And  the  darker  the  cloud  on  which  it  is  drawn, 

The  brighter  the  rainbow  appears; 
So  trials  and  sorrows  the  Christian  prepare 

For  the  rest  that  remaineth  above ; 
On  earth  tribulation  awaits  him,  but  there 

The  smile  of  unchangeable  love." 

"  Him  that  cometh  to  me  I  will  in  no  wise 
cast  oiit.^^  —  John  vi.  37. 

During  his  last  hours,  a  higlily  distinguished 


WORDS  IN  SEASON.  197 

writer  called  for  his  chaplain,  and  said, 
"  Though  I  have  endeavored  to  avoid  sin, 
and  please  God  to  the  utmost  of  my  power, 
yet  I  am  still  afraid  to  die." 

"  My  lord,"  said  the  chaplain,  "  you  have 
forgotten  that  Jesus  Christ  is  a  Saviour." 

"  True,"  was  the  answer,  "  but  how  shall  I 
know  that  he  is  a  Saviour  for  we  .^  " 

"  It  is  written,  my  lord, '  Him  that  cometh 
to  me  I  will  in  no  wise  cast  out.' " 

"  Yet  it  is ! "  was  the  quick  reply, "  and  I  am 
surprised  that,  though  I  have  read  that  scrip- 
ture a  thousand  times  over,  I  never  felt 
its  virtue  till  this  moment ;  and  now  I  die 
happy." 

Reader,  are  you  coming  to  the  Saviour? 
Then  this  promise  is  yours. 

"  Jesus,  the  sinner's  friend,  to  thee, 
Lost  and  undone,  for  aid  I  flee ; 
17* 


198  life's  evening. 


All,  wherefore  did  I  ever  doubt  ? 
Thou  wilt  in  no  wise  cast  me  out." 

"  W7ien  a  feio  years  are  come,  then  I  shall 
go  the  way  whence  I  shall  not  return.''^  —  Job 
xvi.  22. 

An  approaching  journey  lies  before  me.  I 
have  to  pass  from  time  to  eternity ;  from  this 
world  to  the  next.  And  the  time  of  my  de- 
parture, although  to  me  uncertain,  cannot  be 
very  far  distant.  A  few  years  —  perhaps  a 
few  days  —  will  close  my  stay  on  earth. 

It  is  an  unavoidable  journey.  I  must  go. 
There  is  no  choice.  Willing  or  unwilling, 
when  the  summons  for  me  arrives,  I  shall 
have  to  set  off. 

It  is  an  unknoiun '^owcuQj ,  I  have  never 
taken  it  before.  I  have  no  practical  acquaint- 
ance with  the  road,  the  mode  of  transit,  the 
dangers  or  the  discomforts  which  await  me. 


WORDS   IN   SEASON.  199 

And  there  is  no  one  who  can  clearly  explain 
them  to  me.  Those  of  my  friends  who  have 
travelled  that  way  have  never  come  back  to 
relate  their   experience. 

It  is  a  solitary  journey.  I  must  accomplish 
it  alone.  The  most  loved  of  my  present  com- 
panions cannot  accompany  me.  They  may 
think  of  me,  feel  for  me,  pray  for  me,  but  they 
cannot  be  with  me.  We  must  separate  ;  they 
to  remain  behind,  I  to  go  forward. 

It  is  a  momentous  journey.  For  at  its  ter- 
mination I  enter  upon  my  everlasting  destiny. 
It  will  convey  me  either  to  the  mansions  of 
happiness  or  to  the  abodes  of  misery.  The 
narrow  boundary  between  the  present  and  the 
future  state  once  crossed,  there  will  be  .no 
possibility  of  change.  "  He  that  is  unjust,  let 
him  be  unjust  still ;  and  he  that  is  righteous, 
let  him  be  righteous  still."     Rev.  xxii.  11. 


200  life's  evening. 


It  is  a  final  journey.  I  shall  go  the  way 
whence  I  shall  not  return.  My  pilgrimage 
will  be  forever  ended.  No  more  parting,  no 
more  change,  no  more  toil,  no  more  fatigue. 
It  will  be  my  last  journey. 

And  if  I  am  a  Christian,  how  welcome  is 
this  fact !  I  shall  have  done  forever  with  sin 
and  sorrow.  Eternal  felicity  will  be  mine. 
Perfect  holiness,  perfect  happiness.  This  jour- 
ney leads  me  to  my  home,  to  my  father's 
house,  to  my  everlasting  rest. 

Then  I^s\^ill  not  shrink  from  its  approach, 
nor  complain  of  its  accompaniments.  It  may 
be  linked  with  much  that  is  painful  and  un- 
pleasant, but  it  is  the  only  way  home ;  and 
therefore,  although  life  has  many  ties  and 
many  joys,  I  feel  an  earnest  desire  to  depart 
and  be  with  Christ,  which  is  far  better  than 
being  here. 


WORDS   IN   SEASON.  201 

Death  is  a  solemn  journey,  but  it  is  a  safe 
one  to  Christ's  people ;  for  he  will  not  only  re- 
ceive and  welcome  them  at  its  close,  but  he 
will  be  with  them  as  they  are  passing  through 
it.  O,  it  will  not  be  lonely  with  him !  And 
he  is  a  Guide  who  is  well  acquainted  with  the 
way,  for  he  has  trodden  it  himself,  and  the 
marks  of  his  footsteps  are  visible  there  still. 
He  went  for  the  purpose  of  smoothing  its  diffi- 
culties, clearing  its  dangers,  dispersing  its  ter- 
rors ;  and  he  fully  accomplished  his  purpose : 
"That  through  death  he  might  destroy  him 
that  had  the  power  of  death,  that  is,  the 
Devil ;  and  dehver  them  who  through  fear 
of  death  were  all  their  lifetime  subject 
to  bondage."  *  Therefore  when  I  walk 
through  the  dark  valley,  I  will  fear  no 
evil;   for  thou,  0  Jesus,   wilt   be  with  me, 

*  Heb.  ii.  14,  15. 


202  life's  evening. 


and  thy  rod  and  thy  staff  shall  comfort 
me. 

"  The  spirit  shall  return  unto  God  ivho  gave 
it'"'  —  Eccles.  xii.  7. 

"  Not  to  a  stranger ;  not  to  an  unknown, 
untried  master ;  but  to  Him  who  has  pre- 
served and  watched  over  it  from  year  to  year ; 
to  Him  who  knows  its  struggles,  its  anxieties, 
its  throbbings  of  hope  and  fear;  to  its  own 
God,  even  the  '  God  who  gave  it ; '  nay,  more, 
who  gave  for  it  his  only  and  well-beloved 
Son."  Therefore,  Christian  reader,  you  need 
not  fear  to  depart.  Does  the  child  dread  to 
return  home,  to  go  back  to  its  loving  par- 
ents ?  0  happy  moment !  when  you  shall 
be  admitted  into  your  Heavenly  Father's 
presence,  and  shall  share  in  those  pleas- 
ures which  are  at  his  rio^ht  hand  for   ever- 


more: 


^^'' 


WORDS  IN  SEASON.  203 

"  Away,  thou  dying  saint,  away ; 
Fly  to  the  mansions  of  the  blest ; 
Thy  God  no  more  requires  thy  stay, 
He  calls  thee  to  eternal  rest. 

"  Thy  toils,  at  length,  have  reached  a  close, 
No  more  remains  for  thee  to  do ; 
Away,  away,  to  thy  repose, 
Beyond  the  reach  of  sin  and  woe. 

"  Away  to  yonder  realms  of  light. 
Where  multitudes  redeemed  with  blood 
Enjoy  the  beatific  sight. 
And  dwell  forever  with  their  God." 


.<r><S*<5^<SAS>''c>«5>ON-3 


»t  at  dEWik 


fTTr'h^  checkered  day  of  life  is  past, 
^^     Its  varied  joys,  its  varied  cares ; 
The  clear  blue  sky  is  overcast, 

And  night  a  solemn  aspect  wears ; 
0  Thou,  whose  smile  mak'st  all  things  bright, 
At  evening  time  let  there  be  light. 

Darkness  has  often  marked  our  way, 
And  sorrow  on  our  souls  has  pressed ; 

But  thou  canst  all  our  fears  allay, 
And  cheer  the  closing  hours  of  rest ; 

Thy  love  is  boundless  as  thy  might : 

At  evening  time  let  there  be  light. 


LIGHT   AT   EVENTIDE.  205 

O,  shine  within  our  hearts ;  reveal 
Thyself  in  Christ,  the  God  of  love ; 

Nor  let  one  earthly  cloud  conceal 
The  glory  of  the  land  above ; 

Our  faith  increase,  —  our  hope  excite : 

At  evening  time  let  there  be  light. 

Like  radiant  stars  that  chase  the  gloom, 
And  guide  the  traveller  to  repose. 

So  let  thy  promises  iUume 

The  shadow  which  death's  coming  throws. 

And  ere  our  spirit  takes  her  flight, 

At  evening  time  let  there  be  light. 

"  Let  there  be  light."     One  word  from  thee 

Will  every  passing  shade  dispel ; 
Until  thy  face  unveiled  we  see, 

And  in  thy  cloudless  presence  dwell. 
Soon  shall  our  faith  be  changed  to  sight : 
In  heaven  there  will  be  perfect  light ! 

18 


CJe  ianks  d  %  Per. 


^^^J0to  I  further  saw  that  betwixt  the  pil- 
^  grims  and  the  gate  of  the  city  was  a 
river ;  but  there  was  no  bridge  to  go  over,  and 
the  river  was  very  deep.  At  the  sight  of  this 
river  the  pilgrims  were  much  stunned ;  but 
the  men  that  went  with  them  said,  '  You  must 
go  through,  or  you  cannot  come  at  the  gate.' 
The  pilgrims  then  began  to  inquire  if  there 
was  no  other  way  to  the  gate  ?  to  which  they 
answered,  '  Yes  ;  but  there  hath  not  any,  save 
two,  Enoch  and  Elijah,  been  permitted  to  tread 
that  path  since  the  foundation  of  the  world, 


THE  BANKS   OP  THE  RIVER.  207 

nor  shall  until  the  last  trumpet  shall  sound.' 
The  pilgrims  then  began  to  despond  in  their 
minds,  and  looked  this  way  and  that,  but  no 
way  could  be  found  by  them,  by  which  they 
might  escape  the  river."  * 

Ah,  how  true  and  how  touching  is  this  de- 
scription of  the  emotions  which  are  often 
excited  in  the  Christian  pilgrim's  breast,  as  he 
stands  on  the  banks  of  the  river !  He  fears  to 
cross  its  deep,  dark  waters;  he  shrinks  from 
the  strange,  and  it  may  be  the  stormy  passage 
to  eternity.  0,  if  he  could  but  reach  the 
celestial  city  without  having  to  cross  the 
stream  of  death ! 

It  cannot  be.  When  the  summons  for  his 
departure  arrives,  he  must  enter  that  cold 
flood,  and  meet  its  terrors.  None  can  disre- 
gard the  call,  nor  choose  any  other  mode  of 

*  PUgrim's  Progress. 


208 


transit.  "  It  is  appointed  unto  men  once  to 
die."* 

Yet  why  should  the  Christian  be  afraid  ? 
Solemn  and  mysterious  as  the  last  change  un- 
doubtedly is,  even  to  the  child  of  God,  he  may 
rest  assured  that  a  wise  and  loving  Saviour 
will  shield  him  from  every  danger,  and  guide 
him  in  safety  through  it.  And  if  Christ  him- 
self is  with  him  then,  if  his  rod  and  staff  sup- 
port and  comfort  him,  what  evil  can  he  fear  ? 

Aged  reader,  as  you  gaze  upon  the  river 
which  rolls  between  you  and  the  promised 
land,  is  your  mind  filled  with  gloom  and  ap- 
prehension ?  Is  it  not  because  you  look  only 
at  death  ?  you  do  not  at  the  same  time  fix  the 
eye  of  faith  upon  your  Saviour.  You  seem  to 
think  that,  unaided  and  alone,  you  will  have 
to  struggle  through  its  waves,  instead  of  joy- 

*  Heb.  ix.  27. 


THE   BANKS   OF  THE   RIVER.  209 

fully  remembering  his  promise,  "When  thou 
passest  through  the  waters,  *  I  will  be  with 
thee;  and  through  the  rivers,  they  shall  not 
overflow  thee."  *  0,  he  who  lays  hold  upon 
this  sweet  assurance  may  safely  shut  his  eyes, 
and  leave  himself  to  the  entire  disposal  of  infi- 
nite love,  and  faithfulness,  and  wisdom  ! 

Does  nature  recoil  from  the  physical  suffer- 
ing of  the  last  mortal  conflict?  It  is  true, 
that  the  pains  of  death  are  sometimes  so  severe 
as  to  occasion  the  deepest  distress  and  anguish ; 
but  in  the  greater  number  of  instances,  how 
easy  and  tranquil  are  the  closing  moments  of 
life  !  How  many  pass  from  time  to  eternity  as 
calmly  as  an  infant  falling  asleep  on  its  moth- 
er's bosom!  But  should  it  be  otherwise; 
should  your  dying  hour  be  one  of  extreme  suf- 
fering, is  not  the  manner  as  well  as  the  time  of 

*  Isa.  xliii.  2. 


210  life's  evening. 


your  departure  hence  appointed  by  your  Heav- 
enly Father  ?  and  will  he  suffer  you  to  be  tried 
above  that  which  you  are  able  to  bear?  He 
knows  your  frame  ;  he  remembers  that  you  are 
dust,  and  feels  the  tenderest  parental  compas- 
sion for  those  who  fear  him ;  and  therefore  you 
may  be  assured  that  the  trials  which  his  love 
ordains,  whether  in  life  or  in  death,  are  neces- 
sary trials,  and  that  he  will  give  you  support 
under  them.  And  if  your  strength  is  propor- 
tioned to  your  burden,  is  it  not  the  same  in 
effect  as  if  that  burden  were  removed  ?  Listen 
to  the  testimony  of  an  eminent  minister  of 
Christ,  whose  sufferings  were  intense,  but 
whose  spirit  was  filled  with  rejoicing  in  the 
midst  of  them.  "  I  have  suffered  twenty 
times,  yes,  —  to  speak  within  bounds,  —  twenty 
times  as  much  as  I  could  in  being  burnt  at  the 
stake ;   but  my  joy  in  God  so  abounded  as  to 


THE   BANKS   OF   THE   RIVER.  211 

render  my  sufferings  not  only  tolerable,  but 
welcome.  The  sufferings  of  the  present  time 
are  not  worthy  to  be  compared  with  the  glory 
that  shall  be  revealed.  God  is  my  all.  While 
he  is  present  with  me,  no  event  can  in  the  least 
diminish  my  happiness;  and  were  the  whole 
world  at  my  feet  trying  to  minister  to  my  com- 
fort, they  could  not  add  one  drop  to  the  cup. 
Death  comes  every  night,  and  stands  at  my 
bedside,  in  the  form  of  terrible  convulsions, 
until  every  bone  is  almost  dislocated  with  pain ; 
yet  while  the  body  is  thus  tortured,  the  soul  is 
perfectly  happy  and  peaceful,  more  happy  than 
I  can  possibly  express  to  you.'' 

How  easily  might  we  multiply  proofs  like 
these,  —  proofs  of  God  so  sustaining  and  ele- 
vating the  soul  of  the  behever  above  the  pres- 
sure of  physical  suffering,  as  that  it  was  com- 
paratively unheeded  and  unfelt.     And  can  he 


212 


not  do  the  same,  reader,  for  you  ?  Is  not  his 
grace  sufficient  for  you  as  well  as  for  others  ? 
0,  trust  yourself  to  him;  repose  with  confi- 
dence upon  his  promises ;  and  believe  that  in 
a  dying  hour  your  succor  shall  be  equal  to 
your  need.  Do  not  test  your  preparedness  for 
that  hour  by  the  strength  and  comfort  which 
you  now  possess,  but  by  the  solemn  engage- 
ment wliich  Christ  has  made  never  to  leave  nor 
forsake  you.  He  is  with  you  now,  to  help  you 
to  glorify  him  by  your  life  ;  when  death  comes, 
he  will  be  with  you  then,  and  help  you  to  glo- 
rify him  by  your  death.  Dying  grace  will  not 
be  vouchsafed  until  a  dying  hour ;  you  do  not 
want  it  now,  but  it  will  "be  abundantly  vouch- 
safed then.  Wait  for  it  in  faith.  "  Death  is 
somewhat  dreary,"  said  Bishop  Cowper  to  his 
weeping  friends,  "  and  the  streams  of  that  Jor- 
dan which  is  between  us  and  our  Canaan  run 


THE   BANKS   OF   THE   RIVER.  213 

furiously ;   but  they  stand  still  when  the  ark 
comes." 

But  perhaps  your  anxiety  respecting  death 
is  occasioned  by  the  thought  of  the  separation 
which  must  take  place  between  the  soul  and 
the  body.  You  dread  the  entrance  upon  an 
unknown  and  untried  state  of  existence.  It  is 
not  what  you  know,  but  what  you  do  not  know 
of  the  future,  which  causes  your  distress.  If 
any  one  could  return  from  the  unseen  world, 
and  tell  you  exactly  what  he  experienced  in 
the  moment  of  his  departure  from  earth,  and 
clearly  describe  to  you  the  sensations  which 
he  felt  when  he  found  himself  absent  from  the 
body,  your  mind,  you  think,  would  be  relieved 
of  much  of  its  disquietude.  But  it  is  the 
uncertainty,  the  blank,  the  mystery  lying  be- 
fore, in  the  awful  distance,  at  which  you 
tremble.     Like  a  child  in  the  dark,  because 


214  life's  evening. 


you  cannot  see,  you  are  afraid.  /  The  imagi- 
nary objects  whicli  fill  you  with  awe  and  trepi- 
dation would  disappear  if  there  were  light 
enough  to  reveal  to  you  the  true  state  of 
things.  Why,  then,  you  ask,  is  that  light 
withheld?  Could  not  God  have  unfolded  to 
us  in  his  word  the  nature  of  our  future  exist- 
ence, and  the  mode  of  our  introduction  to  it  ? 
He  must  have  foreseen  the  suspense  and  the 
agitation  which  would  arise  through  our  igno- 
rance, and  yet  he  has  not  sought  to  allay  our 
fears  by  a  clearer  and  fuller  revelation  of 
things  to  come.  Why  is  it?  The  fact  of 
God's  silence  upon  this  point  is  a  sufficient 
reply.  We  may  be  sure,  since  he  is  Love,  that 
the  knowledge  which  he  has  reserved  is  neither 
requisite  nor  desirable  for  us.  It  is  probable 
that,  in  our  present  state  of  existence,  we 
could  not  comprehend  more  than  he  has  al- 


THE  BANKS  OF  THE  EIYER.        215 

ready  told  us  about  another  world ;  or  the  full 
blaze  of  light  which  we  desire,  had  it  been 
granted,  might  have  proved  injurious  to  us. 
We  are  as  yet  only  in  the  infancy  of  our  being, 
and  do  not  know  what  is  best  for  us ;  but  our 
Maker  knows,  and  he  has  acted  accordingly. 
"  He  has  said  enough  to  awaken  curiosity,  — 
to  enkindle  desire,  —  to  inspire  hope,  —  to 
encourage  confidence  and  expectation;  and 
we  must  wait  for  the  rest.  God  calls  us  to 
honor  him  by  our  faith,  by  our  belief,  at  all 
times  and  under  all  circumstances,  in  his 
wisdom  and  goodness.  It  is  as  though  we 
were  allowed  to  give  to  the  universe  a  proof  of 
the  firmness  of  our  dependence  upon  him, 
such  as  no  heavenly  spirits  can  give,  to  show 
that  we  are  not  afraid  to  trust  him,  even  when 
he  bids  us  die.^^  0,  shall  we  not  willingly 
prove  how  unshaken  is  our  reliance  on  his 


216 


love,  by  resigning  ourselves  in  the  hour  of 
death,  without  one  fear,  to  his  care?  The 
way  before  us  is  dark  and  mysterious,  but  we 
will  cheerfully  follow  where  he  leads  us.  And 
how  gently,  how  tenderly  will  he  lead  us! 
The  act  of  dying  which  we  so  greatly  fear 
may  be  a  gentle  and  painless  slumber,  —  a 
quiet  falling  asleep  in  Christ ;  and  the  light  of 
eternity  will  dawn  upon  us  like  the  tranquil 
beams  of  the  morning,  which  now  gladden  our 
waking  eyes. 

"  Hast  thou  ne'er  looked  on  a  little  child 

When  he  first  awakes  from  rest, 
And  smiles  to  think  how  his  dream  beguiled 

While  he  slept  on  a  parent's  breast  ? 
So  calm  and  so  sweet  shall  the  waking  be 
In  the  radiant  dawn  of  eternity." 

There  is,  it  is  true,  something  strange  and 
inexplicable  in  the  idea  of  our  existence  with- 
out a  body;  we  are  apt  to  fancy  that  a  dis- 


THE  BANKS  OF  THE  RIVER.       217 

embodied  spirit  must  at  first  feel  as  it  were 
unclothed,  and  unprotected.  But  it  is  a  mis- 
take to  suppose  that  the  soul  owes  its  defence 
from  external  harms  and  hardships  to  the 
body,  in  the  same  manner  as  the  body  does  to 
the  clothes  it  wears.  The  very  contrary  is 
true.  It  is  here  exposed  to  many  more  harms 
and  hardships  by  means  of  its  union  with  the 
mortal  body ;  and,  consequently,  its  disunion 
from  that  will  be  its  freedom  from  them.  The 
operations  and  conceptions  of  the  liberated 
soul  will  be  inconceivably  more  perfect,  free, 
and  unbiassed  than  they  now  are  while  subject 
to  so  many  impediments  and  interruptions 
from  its  connection  with  animal  nature.  This 
is  evident  from  the  fact,  that  even  now  we  find 
our  soul  in  the  best  frame  for  thinking  when  it 
is  least  affected  by  the  body.  How  rapid,  how 
strong,  how  clear  then  will  be  the  flow  of  its 

19 


218  life's  evening. 


thoughts,  when  they  meet  with  nothing  from 
without  to  obstruct  them ! 

The  dread  of  death,  however,  may  arise  from 
other  causes.  It  may  result  from  apprehen- 
sions as  to  our  eternal  happiness.  We  fear, 
sometimes,  whether  our  names  are  written  in 
the  Lamb's  book  of  life  ;  whether  we  have  any 
warrant  to  look  forward  to  a  participation  in 
everlasting  joys ;  and  therefore  we  cannot  bear 
the  thought  of  meeting  our  Judge  face  to  face, 
and  would  fain  retard  the  moment  when  our 
everlasting  destiny  must  be  fixed.  Were  we 
sure  that  there  was  a  mansion  prepared  for  us, 
and  a  crown  of  glory  laid  up  for  us  in  heaven ; 
0,  we  should  not  mind  passing  through  the 
river  of  death,  even  though  its  waters  were 
deep  and  tempest-tost.  But  how  can  we  be 
sure  ? 

What  saith  the  Scripture  ?     "  There  is  now 


THE  BANKS  OF  THE  RIYER.       219 

no  condemnation  to  them  which  are  in  Christ 
Jesus."  "  Hq  that  believeth  on  the  Son  hath 
everlasting  life."  "I  am  the  living  bread 
wliich  came  down  from  heaven ;  if  any  man 
eat  of  this  bread,  he  shall  live  forever."  "  My 
sheep  hear  my  voice,  and  I  know  them,  and 
they  follow  me :  and  I  give  unto  them  eternal 
life;  and  they  shall  never  perish."  "I  will 
come  again,  and  receive  you  unto  myself;  that 
where  I  am,  there  ye  may  be  also."  * 

But  precious  as  these  assertions  are,  they  do 
not  exactly  relieve  our  distress.  Our  fear  is 
not  whether  true  believers  are  everlastingly 
saved,  but  whether  we  are  among  their  num- 
ber. We  hope  we  are,  but  it  is  so  easy  to 
deceive  ourselves ;  we  may  be  mistaken ;  and 
how  terrible  to  wake  in  eternity,  and  find 
ourselves  excluded  from  the  bhss  of  the  re- 

*  Rom.  viii.  7;  John  iii.  36;  vi.  51;  x.  27;  xiv.  3.  ' 


220 


deemed,  beyond  the  possibility  of  change ;  for, 
■what  we  are  then,  we  must  be  forever. 

Our  dread,  then,  of  death,  or  rather  of  the 
consequences  of  death,  may  be  traced  to  the 
weakness  of  our  faith,  or  to  imperfect  views 
of  the  Gospel  of  Jesus  Christ.  It  cannot, 
therefore,  be  removed  until  our  faith  becomes 
stronger,  and  our  views  clearer.  We  must 
study  the  word  which  God  has  given  us,  and 
ask  for  the  teaching  of  his  Spirit,  that  we  may 
be  enabled  to  understand  and  to  apply  to  our- 
selves the  heart-cheering  truth,  "  Christ  is  aJJ, 
and  in  all ; "  "  Ye  are  complete  in  him."  We 
must  strive  to  lay  aside  the  reasonings,  the 
prejudices,  and  the  unbelief  of  our  own  hearts, 
and  receive  with  simplicity  and  thankfulness 
the  full  and  free  promises  of  our  Saviour.  As 
we  become  better  acquainted  with  that  loving 
Saviour,  and  understand  more  perfectly  the 


THE  BANKS  OP  THE  RIVER.       221 

design  of  his  all-sufficient  atonement,  our 
anxious  forebodings  about  the  future  will  grad- 
ually pass  away,  as  the  gloom  of  midnight 
fades  before  the  rising  sun,  and  the  God  of 
hope  will  fill  us  with  all  joy  and  peace  in 
believing. 

It  will  tend  to  mitigate  the  alarm  with  which 
we  regard  the  solemn  change  of  death,  if  we 
look  at  it  in  its  true  character,  as  a  continua- 
tion of  the  present,  rather  than  as  the  com- 
mencement of  a  new  state  of  existence.  Heav- 
en and  hell  are  not  so  much  the  reward  — 
using  the  word  in  its  scriptural  sense  —  of  our 
past  life,  as  the  necessary  sequence  of  it.  It 
will  be  what  we  are,  not  where  we  are,  which 
will  constitute  our  felicity  or  our  woe ;  and 
therefore  if  we  are  conscious  now  that  we  love 
the  Saviour  and  trust  in  him,  and  follow  after 
holiness ;  or  even  that  we  heartily  desire  and 

19* 


222  life's  evening. 


strive  to  do  this ;  is  it  not  plain  that  we  have 
within  us  the  germ  of  true  happiness,  —  a 
heart  that  is  touched  with  the  love  of  Christ, 
and  longs  for  conformity  to  his  likeness  ?  With 
this  principle  implanted  in  our  hearts,  how 
could  we  be  forever  miserable  ?  It  is  impossi- 
ble !  not  only  because  God  will  never  falsify 
his  own  word,  nor  condemn  those  who  put 
their  trust  in  his  Son;  but  because  the  ele- 
ments of  lasting  peace  and  joy  are  already 
ours.  "  He  that  believeth  on  the  Son  hath  — 
not  shall  have  —  everlasting  life."  Meditate 
on  this  declaration,  dear  reader,  and  take  the 
consolation  which  it  is  calculated  to  impart  to 
all  who  are  placing  their  reliance  upon  the 
atonement  of  Christ. 

But  in  the  contemplation  of  a  dying  hour, 
a  tender  and  affectionate  spirit  is  sometimes 
deeply    affected    at  the   prospect  of   parting 


THE   BANKS   OF   THE  EIVER.  223 

with  beloved  relatives  and  friends.  There 
are  some,  perhaps,  to  whom  we  are  a  solace 
and  a  support,  who  have  always  been  accus- 
tomed to  lean  upon  us  in  their  weary  march 
of  life,  and  to  look  to  us  for  counsel  and 
sympathy ;  how  will  they  do  without  us  ? 
how  can  we  leave  them  to  struggle  on  alone 
and  sorrowful?  Or  there  are  others,  for 
whose  salvation  we  are  deeply  concerned,  and 
over  whose  wanderings  we  often  shed  bitter 
tears ;  how  shall  we  bear  to  take  our  farewell 
—  it  may  be  our  last  farewell  —  of .  them  ? 
How  keen  will  be  the  anguish  of  our  dying 
hour,  as  we  reflect  that  they  are  still  un- 
changed,, unsaved,  and  that  we  dare  not 
cherish  the  hope  of  meeting  them  again ! 

0,  how  painful  are  the  separations  of  the 
grave !  How  hard  it  is  to  sever,  if  only  for 
a  few  years,  the  ties  which  bind  us  so  closely 


224  life's  evening. 

to  the  dear  ones  around  us !  Many  Chris- 
tians, aged  Christians  too  —  for  old  age  does 
not  quench  the  ardency  of  the  affections  — 
can  respond  to  the  touching  desire  of  a  youth- 
ful disciple  of  the  Saviour,  "  0  mamma ! 
I  wish  we  could  all  die  and  go  to^  heaven 
together." 

Yet  why  should  you  dwell  only  on  the  dark 
side  of  the  picture  ?  it  may  never  be  presented 
to  you.  Your  Heavenly  Father,  in  his  com- 
passion for  your  weakness,  may  spare  you  the 
sorrow  which  you  anticipate.  You  may  pass 
away  fron>  this  life  as  in  a  quiet  slumber ;  — 

"Nor  bear  a  single  pang  at  parting; 
Nor  see  the  tear  of  sorrow  starting ; 
Nor  hear  the  quivering  lips  that  bless  you; 
Nor  feel  the  hands  of  love  that  press  you." 

Or  if  not,  if  fully  conscious  in  your  last 
moments   that    you    are   parting   from   those 


THE  BANKS  OF  THE  RIVER.       225 


whom  you  love,  God  will  so  strengthen  and 
animate  your  dying  spirit  as  that  you  shall 
be  enabled  with  calnmess,  nay,  with  cheerful- 
ness, to  resign  the  objects  of  your  affection 
to  his  merciful  guidance  and  protection.  You 
will  feel  that  He  who  has  watched  over  you 
so  many  years  in  the  wilderness,  and  brought 
you  safely  through  every  danger,  can  surely 
do  as  much  for  those  whom  you  are  leaving 
behind ;  that  He  who  has  taught  you  to  pray 
so  earnestly  and  so  perseveringly  for  their 
spiritual  welfare,  will  not  suffer  your  prayers 
to  remain  unanswered,  although  he  calls  you 
home  before  you  have  witnessed  their  fulfil- 
ment. And  you  will  also  realize  your  happy 
and  speedy  reunion  with  your  dear  friends 
in  another  world.  Death  will  not  long  divide 
you;  the  remainder  of  their  appointed  time 
on    earth  will  pass   rapidly   away   as   a  tale 


226  life's  evening. 


that  is  told,  and  then  you  will  meet  them 
♦  again,  —  meet  to  part  no  more! 

"  With  the  prospect  of  meetmg  forever, 
With  the  bright  gates  of  heaven  in  view, 
From  the  dearest  on  earth  we  may  sever, 
And  smile  a  delightful  adieu." 

Aged  behever,  you  are  standing  now  on  the 
banks  of  the  river;  fear  not,  only  believe. 
Remember  that  one  of  the  reasons  why  Jesus 
Christ  manifested  himself  in  hunian  nature 
was  for  the  express  purpose  of  dispelhng  that 
gloom  which  naturally  overspreads  the  mind 
as  we  look  upon  the  dark  waters  of  death. 
"Forasmuch  as  the  children  are  partakers 
of  flesh  and  blood,  he  also  himself  likewise 
took  part  of  the  same ;  that  through  death 
he  might  destroy  him  that  had  the  power 
of  death,  that  is,  the  Devil ;  and  deliver  them 
who   through  fear  of   death  were    all   their 


THE  BANKS  OF  THE  RIVER.       227 

lifetime  subject  to  bondage."  *  Then  seek 
deliverance  from  that  fear,  and  expect  deliver- 
ance. Christ  suffered  not  in  vain;  all  the 
purposes  of  his  death  have  been  fully  ac- 
complished; and  he  would  have  his  people 
even  now  to  participate  in  his  triumph;  and 
without  waiting  for  the  actual  encounter  to 
join  in  the  ascription  of  the  Apostle,  "  Thanks 
be  to  God,  which  giveth  us  the  victory  through 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ."     Then 

"  Shudder  not  to  pass  the  stream, 
Venture  all  thy  care  on  him, — 
Him  whose  dying  love  and  power 
Stilled  its  tossing,  hushed  its  roar. 
Not  one  object  of  his  care 
Ever  suffered  shipwreck  there; 
See  the  haven  full  in  view; 
Love  Divine  shall  bear  thee  through." 

Is  it  granted  to  you  to  possess  that  strong 

*  Heb.  ii.  14,  15. 


228 


faith,  that  calm  assurance,  which  elevates 
the  mind  above  the  fear  of  death  ?  Can  you 
say  with- gladness,  "  The  time  of  my  departure 
is  at  hand:  I  have  fought  a  good  fight,  I 
have  finished  my  course,  I  have  kept  the 
faith:  henceforth  there  is  laid  up  for  me 
a  crown  of  righteousness,  wliich  the  Lord, 
the  righteous  Judge,  shall  give  me  at  that 
day  "  ?  *  Thank  your  Saviour  for  this  glorious 
hope,  —  this  hope  which  is  as  an  anchor  of  the 
soul,  sure  and  steadfast,  —  for  he  is  its  author 
and  its  bestower.  It  is  because  he  has  abol- 
ished death,  and  brought  life  and  immortality 
to  light  through  the  Gospel,  that  you  are 
now  enabled  to  look  forward  with  composure 
to  your  conflict  with  the  last  foe,  and  tri- 
umphantly to  ask,  "  0  death,  where  is  thy 
sting?     0   grave,   where    is    thy  victory?"! 

*  2  Tim.  iv.  6,  8.  f  1  Cor.  xv.  55. 


THE  BANKS  OF  THE  RIYER.       229 

Well  may  you  rejoice,  for  your  life  is  hid 
with  Christ  in  God,  and  you  are  safe  for- 
ever. Safe  amidst  the  infirmities  and  perils  of 
old  age ;  safe  in  the  swelling  waters  of  Jor- 
dan; safe  when  you  stand  before  the  solemn 
judgment-seat;  yes,  safe  throughout  eternity. 
Nothing  in  earth  or  hell  can  separate  you 
from  the  love  of  God  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus ; 
or  pluck  you  from  the  grasp  of  your  ever- 
living  Saviour.  He  upholds  and  comforts 
you  now  in  the  evening  of  life  ;  and  "  by  and 
by,  leaning  upon  his  arm,  you  shall  come 
down  to  the  river.  Not  a  ripple  shall  be  on 
its  bosom ;  its  clear  waters  shining  in  heaven's 
own  light  shall  allure  to  the  crossing.  His 
feet  shall  but  touch  the  stream,  and,  lo,  a  way 
for  the  ransomed  to  pass  over."  "  Blessed  are 
the  dead  which  die   in  the  Lord;"*    "Pre- 

*  Rev.  xiv.  13. 
20 


230  life's  evening. 


cious  ill  the  sight  of  the  Lord  is  the  death 
*of  his  saints."  * 

But  our  remarks  about  the  river  of  death 
have  been  addressed  to  true  Christians ;  are 
you,  reader,  one  of  their  number?  If  not, 
you  have  no  right  to  appropriate  to  yourself 
the  consolations  which  are  designed  only  for 
them.  There  is  no  sight  more  painful  than 
that  of  an  aged  individual  on  the  borders 
of  the  grave,  on  the  threshold  of  eternity, 
unrenewed,  unsanctified,  and  yet  undismayed 
by  the  terrors  of  the  future,  and  confident 
of  the  joys  of  heaven.  May  God  preserve 
us  from  so  fearful  a  delusion !  "Be  not 
deceived ;  God  is  not  mocked :  for  whatsoever 
a  man  soweth,  that  shall  he  also  reap."  f 
A  life  of  carelessness  —  of  worldliness  —  of 
self-righteousness,    cannot    prepare    us  for  a 

*  Psa.  cxvi.  15.  t  Gal.  vi.  7. 


THE   BANKS   OF   THE   RIVER.  231 

life  of  glory.  "  Except  a  man  be  born  again, 
he  cannot  see  the  kingdom  of  God."  '*He 
that  believeth  not  the  Son  shall  not  see  life ; 
but  the  wrath  of  God  abideth  on  him."  * 
"  Without  hoHness  no  man  shall  see  the 
Lord."  t  A  change  of  heart,  faith  in  Christ, 
the  fruits  of  holiness,  are  the  precursors  of 
the  believer's  assurance  of  eternal  felicity; 
what  do  you  know  of  them  in  your  own 
experience  ?  Examine  yourself,  whether  you 
are  in  the  faith ;  or  whether  you  have  only 
a  name  to  live  while  you  are  dead.  The 
absence  of  alarm,  or  even  the  possession  of 
joy,  as  you  draw  near  to  death  and  eternity, 
is  not,  of  itself,  an  indication  of  safety.  It 
may  be  but  the  deadly  calm  before  an  awful 
tempest;  a  fatal  slumber  on  the  edge  of  a 
frightful   precipice.     Ignorance   trembled  not 

*  John  iii.  3,  36.  t  Heb.  xii.  14. 


232  life's  evening. 


when  he  came  to  the  river-side,  and  prepared 
to  cross  it ;  he  got  over  it  with  less  difficulty 
than  Christian,  for  one  Yain  Hope  helped 
him  with  his  boat ;  but  when  he  reached  the 
other  side,  the  King  commanded  his  servants 
to  bind  him  hand  and  foot,  and  to  cast  him 
into  outer  darkness. 

Yet  while  this  should  warn  the  presump- 
tuous and  the  self-confident,  it  should  not  dis- 
courage the  awakened  sinner,  who  feels  that 
life  is  receding  beneath  his  tread,  and  that  his 
feet  have  as  yet  found  no  sure  resting-place. 
The  language  of  the  Gospel  is  language  of 
peace  to  all  who  really  desire  salvation  from 
the  peril  and  the  dominion  of  sin.  "  Come 
unto  me,"  says  the  Saviour,  whom  it  pro- 
claims, "  all  ye  that  labor  and  are  heavy  laden, 
and  I  will  give  you  rest."  *     It  is  never  too 

*  Matt.  xi.  28. 


THE  BANKS  OF  THE  RIVER.       233 

late  to  turn  to  him ;  to  seek  forgiveness  at  his 
cross.  God's  promises  of  salvation  are  made 
without  exception  of  time  ;  for  whenever  a  sin- 
ner repents  of  his  sins,  he  has  promised  to  put 
away  his  wickedness  out  of  remembrance. 
They  are  made  without  exception  of  sins ; 
for,  "  The  blood  of  Jesus  Christ  cleanseth  us 
from  all  sin  ;"  *  and,  "  All  manner  of  sin  and 
blasphemy  shall  be  forgiven  unto  men."  f 
They  are  made  without  exception  of  persons ; 
for,  "  Whosoever  shall  call  on  the  name  of  the 
Lord  shall  be  saved ;  "  J  "  Whosoever  will, 
let  him  take  the  water  of  life  freely ; "  § 
"  Him  that  cometh  to  me  I  will  in  no  wise 
cast  out."  II 
Aged  reader !  "  behold  the  Lamb  of  God, 

*  1  John  i.  7.  §  Rev.  xxii.  17. 

t  Matt.  xii.  31.  ll  John  vi.  37. 

t  Acts  ii.  21. 
20* 


234  life's  evening. 


which  taketh  away  the  sin  of  the  world." 
Look  unto  him  and  be  saved.  How  else  will 
you  pass  through  the  swellings  of  Jordan  ? 
how  else  will  you  stand  at  the  judgment-seat 
of  Christ  ? 


m\p  mWi  Cljfltt  lie? 


'^i'nt  in  the  solemn  night, 
(Z)     "When  dim  and  shadowy  all  things  appear ; 
When  thoughts  are  tinged  with  mournfulness  and  fear, 
And  nature's  fairest  scenes  are  veiled  from  sight ; 
For  darkness  only  throws  a  deeper  gloom 
Around  the  opening  tomb. 

But  let  the  gladsome  day 
Smile  upon  my  departure ;  let  the  bright 
And  glorious  sunshine  image  forth  that  light 
"Which  soon  shall  beam  with  pure  and  fadeless  ray 
Upon  my  ransomed  spirit ;  let  no  cloud 

Life's  closing  scene  enshroud. 


236  life's  evening. 


Not  m  the  hour  of  health, 
Without  one  kind  adieu  or  parting  token, 
When  suddenly  the  chain  of  life  is  broken, 
And  our  last  messenger  comes  as  by  stealth ;  — 
From  quick  transition  to  eternity. 

Good  Lord,  deliver  me. 

Calm  be  my  last  farewell 
To  all  the  joys,  and  cares,  and  griefs  of  earth ; 
On  themes  of  precious  and  immortal  worth 
In  peaceful  contemplation  let  me  dwell ; 
As  gradually  fades  the  light  of  day, 

So  let  me  pass  away. 

Not  in  a  distant  land, 
Or  on  the  bosom  of  the  lonely  sea, 
Where  stranger  forms  would  coldly  bend  o'er  me,  - 
Far,  far  from  the  loved  and  home-linked  band,  — 
Without  one  friend  my  dying  hours  to  bless. 

And  soothe  my  weariness. 


WHEN  WILT   THOU   DIE?  237 

But  gather  round  my  bed 
The  loved  ones  who  have  gladdened  life's  past  hours ; 
Let  cherished  objects,  fondly-tended  flowers, 
And  well-known  faces,  comfort  round  me  spread ; 
And  gentle  words  of  counsel  and  of  love 

Point  me  to  hopes  above. 

Saviour !  thou  wilt  not  chide 
These  simple  wishes  twined  around  the  grave ; 
And  yet 't  is  better  that  on  death's  cold  wave 
My  trembling  vessel  thou  shouldst  launch  and  guide, 
How,  when,  and  where  thou  wilt :  what  should  I  fear 

With  thee,  my  pilot,  near  ? 

Through  all  life's  troublous  way 
Thou  hast  sustained  me.    Thou  wilt  keep  me  still. 
Veiled  is  the  future ;  yet  I  fear  no  ill, 
But  ready  stand  thy  summons  to  obey. 
It  matters  little  what  the  path  may  be. 

So  that  it  leads  to  thee. 


i^\t  ^tatoilg  ^tst 


^001t  will  "  the  day  break,  and  the  shadows 
flee  away."  Soon  will  the  darkness  of 
earth  be  exchanged  for  the  radiance  of 
heaven.  There  is  no  night  there.  "  Thy 
sun  shall  no  more  go  down ;  neither  shall 
thy  moon  withdraw  itself ;  for  the  Lord  shall 
be  thine  everlasting  light,  and  the  days  of  thy 
monrning  shall  be  ended."  * 

How  welcome  to  the  aged  Christian  is  the 
thought  of  heaven  !  As  the  toil-worn  laborer 
hails  with  gladness  the  hour  of  rest ;  as  the 
wave-tossed  mariner   discerns   with  thankful- 

*  Isa.  Ix.  20. 


THE   HEAVENLY   REST.  239 

ness  the  haven  of  safety ;  as  the  weary  exile 
approaches  with  feehngs  of  rapture  his  native 
country ;  so  does  the  believer  rejoice  in  the 
immediate  prospect  of  eternal  glory.  He  loves 
to  think  of  that  moment  when  he  shall  be 
absent  from  the  body  and  present  with  the 
Lord ;  when  the  cares,  the  conflicts,  and  the 
corruptions  which  surround  him  here  will  be 
exchanged  for  the  peace  and  purity  which  per- 
vade the  everlasting  abode  of  the  redeemed. 
Yaried  are  the  attractions  which  draw  his 
thoughts  and  affections  thither.  Deliverance 
from  trouble  ;  freedom  from  sin  ;  increase  of 
knowledge  ;  separation  from  the  ungodly  ;  in- 
tercourse with  the  holy ;  communion  with  his 
Saviour  ; — these  and  other  delineations  of  the 
heavenly  state  make  him  ready,  willing,  eager 
to  depart  from  the  present  life,  and  to  enter 
upon  that  new  and  noble  existence. 


240  life's  evening. 


"  My  chief  conception  of  heaven,"  said  Rob- 
ert Hall,  who  was  an  almost  constant  sufferer 
from  acute  bodily  pain,  "  is  rest.^'*  And  many 
sons  and  daughters  of  affliction  can  respond  to 
his  remark.  They  have  so  much  to  do  and  to 
suffer;  they  see  so  much  misery  and  discord 
around  them ;  their  spiritual  foes  are  so  pow- 
erful and  persevering,  that  the  sigh  of  the 
Psalmist  is  often  heard  from  their  lips,  "  0 
that  I  had  wings  like  a  dove  !  for  then  would 
I  fly  away,  and  be  at  rest."  *  Rest !  Where  ? 
In  heaven :  there  the  weary. are  at  rest. 

They  rest  from  toil.  From  physical  exer- 
tion, and  from  mental  labor.  The  hand  no 
longer  has  to  procure  bread  for  the  sustenance 
of  life,  and  to  provide  things  honest  in  the 
sight  of  all  men  ;  the  head  no  longer  has  to 
plan  for  avoiding  difficulties  and  distress,  and 

*  Psalm  Iv.  6. 


THE   HEAVENLY  REST.  241 

to  strive  after  a  temporary  relief  from  some  of 
tlie  cares  of  daily  life.  "  They  shall  hunger 
no  more,  neither  thirst  anymore."*  "They 
rest  from  their  labors  ;  and  their  works  do  fol- 
low them."  t  ^1  fatigue  and  anxiety  are  for- 
ever ended. 

They  rest  from  pain.  The  inhabitant  of  that 
heavenly  city  shall  not  say,  I  am  sick;  and 
"  there  shall  be  no  more  pain :  for  the  former 
things  are  passed  away."  J"!^' I  shall  soon  be 
at  home  now,"  said  an  aged  Christian  woman, 
who  had  been  for  many  years  afflicted  with  a 
painful  disease,  "  and  then  all  suffering  will  be 
over.  I  hope  I  am  not  impatient ;  I  am  will- 
ing to  bear  whatever  God  sends,  and  as  long 
as  he  sends  it ;  I  know  he  is  love.  But  it  is 
very  sweet  sometimes,  when  my  poor  body  is 
racked  with  pain  and  I  cannot  get  a  minute's 

*  Rev.  vii.  16.  f  Rev.  xiv.  13.  '         %  Rev.  xxi.  4. 

21  P 


242  life's  evening. 


relief,  to  think  that  I  am  every  day  nearer 
heaven,  and  to  feel  that  the  sufferings  of  this 
present  time  are  not  worthy  to  be  compared 
with  the  glory  that  shall  be  revealed.  What  a 
change  it  will  be  !  " 

They  rest  from  sorroiu.  "God  shall  wipe 
away  all  tears  from  their  eyes ;  and  there  shall 
be  no  more  death,  neither  sorrow,  nor  cry- 
ing." *  Yes ;  God  himself  shall  wipe  away 
their  tears.  The  days  of  their  mourning  will 
be  forever  ended,  and  sorrow  and  sigliing  shall 
flee  away.  Want,  disappointment,  care,  un- 
kindness,  injustice,  bereavement,  and  every 
other  source  of  earthly  distress,  are  unknown 
in  heaven.  The  waves  of  grief  cannot  pass 
the  confines  of  eternity.  The  clouds  of  sad- 
ness cannot  float  in  the  clear  atmosphere  of 
heaven.     The  voice  of  lamentation  and  weep- 

*  Rev.  xxi.  4. 


THE   HEAVENLY  REST.  243 

ing  can  never  mingle  with  the  songs  of  the 
redeemed. 

They  rest  from  spiritual  conflict.  Life  is  a 
period  of  warfare  and  trial.  The  foes  of  the 
Christian  are  many,  and  they  are  mighty.  His 
own  unsubdued  passions ;  the  world  with  its 
temptations  on  the  one  hand  and  its  reproaches 
on  the  other ;  and  the  great  adversary  of  man- 
kind going  about  as  a  roaring  lion,  seeking 
whom  he  may  devour,  are  continually  arrayed 
against  him ;  and  he  must  be  always  upon  his 
guard,  always  ready  for  the  encounter.  Nor 
does  he,  except  in  occasional  moments  of  dis- 
comfiture and  depression,  shrink  from  the 
battle-field.  It  is  his  earnest  desire  to  fight  the 
good  fight  of  faith,  and  to  endure  hardness  as 
a  good  soldier  of  Jesus  Christ.  To  ask  for 
victory  and  rest  from  a  mere  love  of  selfish 
ease,  is   inconsistent  with  his   principles  and 


244  life's  evening. 


feelings.  God  has  called  him  to  the  contest, 
and  when  he  sees  fit  will  call  him  to  his  re- 
ward ;  till  then  he  is  willing  to  wait  and  toil 
and  struggle  on.  His  prayer  is  that  when  his 
Lord  comes  he  may  find  him  watching.  This 
is  a  right  spirit.  We  ought  not  to  grow  weary 
in  well-doing.  We  ought  not  to  wish  for  our 
crown  before  our  conflict  is  ended.  But  at  the 
same  time  we  may  look  forward  to  our  rest 
with  hope  and  gladness.  In  the  midst  of  our 
conflict  with  evil,  we  may  soothe  and  refresh 
our  spirits  with  the  thought  of  final  victory. 
As  we  press  forward  in  our  heavenward  journey, 
encompassed  by  difficulties  and  beset  with  dan- 
gers, we  may  rejoice  in  the  consideration  that 

"  We  niglitly  fix  our  moviug  tent 
A  day's  march  nearer  home !  " 

Yes ;  our  warfare  will  soon  be  over,  —  our 
rest  attained. 


THE   HEAVENLY  REST.  245 

And  how  cheering  is  the  reflection  that  holi- 
ness as  well  as  rest  is  linked  with  our  anticipa- 
tions of  heaven !  Nothing  that  defileth  can 
enter  there.  The  church  above  is  "  a  glorious 
church,  not  having  spot,  or  wrinkle,  or  any 
such  thing;  but  holy  and  without  blemish."* 
The  Christian,  it  is  true,  is  already  sanctified 
by  the  indwelling  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  Sin  has 
no  longer  dominion  over  him;  for  the  grace 
of  God,  which  bringeth  salvation,  teaches  him 
to  deny  ungodliness  and  worldly  lusts,  and  to 
live  soberly,  righteously,  and  godly,  in  this 
present  world.  His  heart  is  purified  by  faith. 
He  has  put  on  the  new  man,  which  after  God 
is  created  in  righteousness  and  true  holiness. 
He  has  been  adopted  into  God's  family;  re- 
newed in  his  image ;  and  made  a  partaker  of 
his  holiness.     But  as  yet  how  imperfect  is  the 

*  Eph.  V.  27. 
21* 


246  life's  evening. 

resemblance  which  he  bears!  how  feeble  are 
the  attainments  which  he  has  made !  While 
he  delights  in  the  law  of  God  after  the  inward 
man,  he  sees  another  law  in  his  members  war- 
ring against  the  law  of  his  mind,  and  bringing 
him  into  captivity  to  the  law  of  sin,  so  that  in 
the  anguish  of  his  spirit  he  exclaims  with  the 
Apostle,  "0  wretched  man  that  I  am!  who 
shall  deliver  me  from  the  body  of  this  death  ?  "  * 
Day  by  day  he  presses  toward  the  mark  for 
the  prize  of  the  high  calling  of  God  in  Christ 
Jesus,  but  he  is  often  sore  let  and  hindered  in 
running  the  race  that  is  set  before  him  ;  some- 
times he  stumbles  and  falls  ;  and  sometimes  he 
wanders  into  some  by-path  which  leads  him 
into  distress  and  danger ;  and  although  he 
never  gives  up ;  although  each  revival  of  the 
sin  which  so  easily  besets  him,  —  each  temp- 

*  Rom.  vii.  24. 


THE   HEAVENLY  REST.  247 

tation  to  which,  through  unwatchfulness  and 
self-dependence,  he  yields,  only  prompts  him 
to  more  prayerful  and  vigorous  effort  for  the 
future ;  can  we  wonder  if  he  anticipates  with 
eagerness  and  delight  the  moment  when  he 
shall  be  freed  from  the  defilement  and  imper- 
fection of  his  present  condition,  and  be  per- 
fectly conformed  to  the  image  of  his  Savioiir  ? 
0,  to  have  his  will  entirely  absorbed  in  God's 
will ;  to  have  every  thought  in  unison  with  his 
mind ;  to  have  self  forever  lost  sight  of  in  the 
radiance  of  his  glory  ;  to  be  holy,  and  unblam- 
able, and  unreprovable  in  his  presence  !  How 
delightful  is  this  prospect!  how  all-sustaining 
is  this  hope !  And  as  years  increase,  as  life 
declines,  his  desire  after  perfected  holiness 
grows  stronger  and  stronger,  until  it  over- 
comes his  fear  of  death,  and  weakens  the 
fondest  ties  which  link  him  to  earth.     He  is 


248  life's  evening. 

ready  to  leave  all  around  him,  and  to  press 
through  all  before  him,  in  order  that  he  may 
be  separated  from  sin,  and  be  completely  assim- 
ilated to  the  likeness  of  Christ.  "We  shall 
be  like  him!"  is  the  thought  —  the  glorious 
thought  —  which  makes  heaven  so  precious  in 
his  estimation.  He  longs  more  for  purity  than 
he  does  for  rest.  He  wants  to  be  holy,  sinless, 
perfected. 

His  desire  will  soon  be  granted,  his  hope 
realized.  "  Blessed  are  they  which  do  hunger 
and  thirst  after  righteousness ;  for  they  shall 
be  filled."  Filled?  Satisfied?  Yes.  When? 
In  part  now,  in  completeness  hereafter.  In 
heaven  they  hunger  no  more,  neither  thirst 
any  more :  they  are  restored  to  the  image  of 
their  God,  and  are  faultless  before  his  throne. 

And  then  how  delightful  to  the  thoughtful 
and  inquiring  Christian  —  and  every  Christian 


THE   HEAVENLY   REST.  249 

ought  to  sustain  this  character  —  is  the  assur- 
ance that  in  a  future  state  our  knowledge  will 
be  greatly  increased.  In  this  world  how  lim- 
ited are  our  highest  acquirements!  We  are 
like  children  playing  on  the  sea-shore,  and 
diverting  ourselves,  now  and  then  finding  a 
smoother  pebble,  or  a  prettier  shell  than  ordi- 
nary, whilst  the  great  ocean  of  truth  lies  all 
undiscovered  before  us.  But  what  we  know 
not  now,  we  shall  know  hereafter.  Now  we 
see  through  a  glass  darkly ;  now  we  know  but 
in  part :  but  then  we  shall  see  face  to  face,  and 
know  even  as  we  are  known.  Many  deeply 
interesting  and  important  questions  which  are 
unanswered  now,  will  be  solved  then.  Many 
difficulties  which  perplex  us  now,  will  be  ex- 
plained then.  How  numerous  are  the  myste- 
ries in  Providence,  both  in  connection  with  our 
own  history,  and  with  the  history  of  others. 


250  life's  evening. 


which  will  then  be  unravelied  1  How  varied 
are  the  mysteries  in  rehgion  which  will  then 
be  clear  to  us  as  the  light  of  noonday !  And 
our  knowledge  will  be  ever  increasing.  The 
first  glance  into  eternity  will  not  reveal  to  us 
all  that  it  has  to  unfold.  We  shall  be  always 
learning  something  new ;  continually  making 
fresh  discoveries  of  the  wisdom  and  power  and 
goodness  of  God.  And  this  without  weari- 
ness, without  effort,  without  disappointment. 

Associated  with  the  perfected  development 
and  probable  augmentation  of  our  intellectual 
powers,  is  the  noble  and  uninterrupted  service 
in  which  we  shall  be  engaged  above.  Alas ! 
how  feeble  and  how  poor  are  our  best  attempts 
now  for  the  fulfilment  of  God's  will,  and  the 
promotion  of  his  glory !  How  little,  compara- 
tively, have  we  done,  how  little  can  we  do  to 
make  him  known  and  loved  among  our  fellow- 


THE   HEAVENLY  REST.  251 

men!  Frequently  do  we  mourn  over  our 
weakness  and  apparent  uselessness,  and  feel 
that  we  are  indeed  unprofitable  servants.  But 
in  heaven  our  service  will  be  vigorous,  per- 
petual, untiring.  There  the  weary  will  be  at 
rest,  not  because  they  cease  to  labor,  but 
because  labor  brings  no  fatigue  ;  and  they  that 
"have  entered  into  rest"  will  find  this  to  be 
their  rest,  that "  they  rest  not  day  and  night."* 
Each  glorified  servant  will  doubtless  be 
occupied  in  the  manner  which  is  most  accord- 
ant with  his  individual  bias  and  qualification. 
As  the  cherubim  and  seraphim  are  supposed 
to  have  their  separate  and  appropriate  offices,^ 
though  all  stand  round  the  throne,  so  we  may 
expect  that  holy  engagements  will  be  dis- 
tributed in  amazing  diversity  among  the  white- 
robed   saints.     But  this  will  be  the   delight, 

*  Rev.  iv.  8. 


252  life's  evening. 


that  each  one  occupies  his  own,  his  proper, 
his  favorite  employment,  —  that  for  which  his 
being  is  made ;  no  nerve  strained ;  no  part 
burdened ;  no  power  taxed ;  but  all  easy, 
enjoyable,  delicious,  the  very  part  he  would 
have  chosen ;  the  part  he  loves ;  the  part  he 
can  do  best,  assigned  to  him  for  ever  and  ever. 
And  in  this,  his  own  proper  province,  each 
one  will  exercise  his  whole  perfected  being. 
Whatever  he  loves,  he  will  understand,  and 
whatever  he  understands,  he  will  love ;  and 
both  his  mind  and  his  will  will  take  effect 
through  the  instrumentality  of  a  body  which 
is  in  complete  unison  with  his  spirit;  never 
cumbering  it,  never  darkening  it,  but  instant 
and  capable  to  do  everything  which  the 
thought  desires  or  the  heart  suggests ;  so 
that  it  will  be  a  perfectly  intelligent  affection, 
performing  without  diminution,  and  without 


THE   HEAVENLY  REST.  253 

delay,  all  it  thinks  and  all  it  feels.  Then 
shall  we  understand,  in  that  entire  concur- 
rence of  all  the  properties  which  -make  the 
creature,  what  is  the  meaning  of  that  service 
of  which  Christ  spoke,  when  he  said,  "  God 
is  a  Spirit;  and  they  that  worship  him  must 
worship  him  in  spirit  and  in  truth."  * 

And  as  we  think  of  all  the  high  functions 
and  happy  services  of  those  in  glory,  shall 
we  not  remember  those  loved  ones  among 
their  number  who  were  once  co-workers  with 
us  here;  and  rejoice  in  the  thought  that  we 
shall,  erelong,  share  in  their  holy  occupa- 
tions, and  participate  in  their  fadeless  joys? 
The  communion  of  saints  on  earth  is  sweet, 
but  what  will  it  be  in  heaven?  Here  there 
is  much  to  mar  and  interrupt  it;  there  it 
will  be  perfect  and  perpetual.     We  shall  be 

*  John  iv.  24. 
22 


254  life's  evening. 


associated  with  "the  glorious  company -of 
the  apostles,  the  goodly  fellowship  of  the 
prophets,  and  the  noble  army  of  martyrs;" 
we  shall  sit  down  with  Abraham,  Isaac,  and 
Jacob,  in  the  kingdom  of  God.  We  shall 
share  in  the  high  and  holy  converse  of  those 
esteemed  by  ns  on  earth  for  the  beautiful 
graces  and  gifts  which  adorned  their  char- 
acter, and  become  intimately  acquainted  with 
others,  long  endeared  to  us  by  their  labors 
and  their  worth,  but  who,  through  time,  or 
varied  circumstances,  were  personally  un- 
known to  us.  And  there  will  be  no  discord, 
no  prejudices,  no  rivalry,  to  disturb  the  har- 
mony of  our  intercourse.  We  shall  dwell 
together  as  the  children  of  one  Father;  as 
the  brethren  of  one  family ;  as  the  loved  and 
loving  inhabitants  of  one  eternal  home. 
But   dearer,  far   dearer,  than  the   thought 


THE   HEAVENLY   REST.  255 

of  this  complete  and  tender  sympathy  with 
all  the  redeemed  in  glory,  is  the  prospect  of 
that  perfect  and  constant  communion  with 
our  Saviour  which  his  promises  now  unfold 
to  our  view.  "  I  will  come  again,  and  receive 
you  unto  myself;  that  where  I  am,  there 
ye  may  be  also."  "  Further,  I  will  that  they 
also  whom  thou  hast  given  me  be  with  me 
where  I  am ;  that  they  may  behold  my  glory, 
which  thou  hast  given  me."* 

Well  might  one  of  Christ's  tried  and  hon- 
ored servants,  in  the  simple  meditations  which 
she  penned  as  she  waited  for  her  summons  to 
pass  over  the  river,  write,  "  To  be  where  thou 
art,  to  see  thee  as  thou  art,  and  to  be  made 
like  unto  thee ;  the  last  sinful  motion  forever 
past ;  no  more  opposition ;  no  more  weariness, 
listlessness,   dryness,   or   deadness ;    but   con- 

*  John  xiv.  3 ;  xvii.  24. 


256  life's  evening. 


formed  to  my  blessed  Saviour,  every  way 
capacitated  to  serve  him,  to  enjoy  him,  —  this 
is  heaven."  And  well  might  her  glowing 
words  animate  the  faith  and  hope  of  that 
devoted  missionary  of  the  cross,  who  was 
called,  when  at  the  foot  of  Mount  Lebanon, 
to  encounter  the  last  enemy.  His  friends 
having  proposed  to  pray  with  him,  he  replied, 
"  Yes ;  but  first  I  wish  you  to  read  some 
passages  from  'Mrs.  Graham's  Provision  for 
Passing  over  Jordan ; '"  and  on  hearing  the 
words,  "To  be  where  thou  art,  to  see  thee 
as  thou  art,  to  be  made  hke  unto  thee ; "  — 
he  anticipated  the  conclusion,  and  said,  with 
an  expressive  emphasis,  "  That  is  heaven  !  " 

Yes ;  to  be  with  Christ,  to  see  him  as  he  is, 
that  indeed  is  heaven.  In  our  converse  with 
him  now  by  faith,  we  rejoice  with  joy  that 
is  unspeakable  and  full  of  glory;  what  then 


THE    HEAVENLY   REST.  257 

will    be    our    emotions   when    that    glory   is 
realized,  and  his  presence  is  attained  ? 

"  Not  all  things  else  are  half  so  dear 
As  converse  with  the  Saviour  here  ; 

What  must  it  be  in  heaven? 
'Tis  heaven  on  earth  to  hear  him  say, 
As  now  I  journey  day  by  day, 
Poor  sinner,  cast  thy  fears  away: 
Thy  sins  are  all  forgiven. 

"But  how  will  his  celestial  voice 
Make  my  enraptured  heart  rejoice 

When  I  in  glory  hear  him! 
While  I  before  the  heavenly  gate 
For  everlasting  entrance  wait, 
And  Jesus  on  his  throne  of  state 
Invites  me  to  come  near  him." 

Reader,  is  this  happy,  this  heart-cheering 
anticipation  yours  ?  What  proof  can  you  give 
of  your  title  to  mansions  in  the  skies  ?  Is 
"  Christ  in  you,  the  hope  of  glory  ?  "  *     Have 

*  Col.  i.  27. 
22  =»^  Q 


258  life's  evening. 

you  "tlie  earnest  of  the  Spirit  "  ?  *  Are  you 
"  made  meet  to  be  partaker  of  the  inheritance 
of  the  saints  in  hght "  ?  f 

Then,  "  rejoice  in  hope  of  the  glory  of 
God."  X  Your  warfare  will  soon  be  accom- 
plished, your  labors  ended,  your  rest  begun. 
Now  is  your  salvation  nearer  than  when  you 
believed.  A  little  while,  and  you  shall  tread 
the  golden  streets  of  the  holy  city ;  you  shall 
eat  of  the  tree  of  life  which  is  in  the  midst  of 
the  paradise  of  God,  and  drink  of  the  pure 
crystal  river  which  proceeds  out  of  the  throne 
of  God  and  of  the  Lamb.  A  crown  of  glory 
shall  be  yours,  and  the  waving  palm  of  vic- 
tory ;  you  shall  hear  the  voice  of  harpers  harp- 
ing with  their  harps,  and  you  shall  join  in 
their  ever  new  and  triumphant  song,  "  Wor- 
thy is  the   liamb   that  was   slain  to   receive 

*  2  Cor.  V.  5.  t  Col.  i.  12.  %  Rom.  v.  2. 


THE   HEAVENLY   REST.  259 

power,  and  riches,  and  wisdom,  and  strength, 
and  honor,  and  glory,  and  blessing."  *  "In 
thy  presence  is  fulness  of  joy ;  at  thy  right 
hand  there  are  pleasures  for  evermore."  f 

"  Wlierefore,  beloved,  seeing  that  ye  look  for 
such  things,  be  diligent  that  ye  may  be  found 
of  him  in  peace."  $  "  Walk  worthy  of  God, 
who  hath  called  you  unto  his  kingdom  and 
glory."  §  Remember,  that  "  without  holiness 
no  man  shall  see  the  Lord."  ||  And  the  well- 
grounded  hope  of  future  blessedness  necessa- 
rily leads  to  present  sanctification.  "  Every 
man  that  hath  tliis  hope  in  him,  purifieth  him- 
self, even  as  He  is  pure."  ^  The  "  exceeding 
great  and  precious  promises  "  are  given  to  us, 
not  only  that  we  may  be  gladdened  and  com- 

*  Rev.  V.  12.  §  1  Thess.  ii.  12. 

t  Psalm  xvi.  11.  II  Heb.  xii.  14. 

t  2  Peter  iii.  14.  IT  1  Joh^i  i"-  3- 


260  life's  evening. 

forted  by  them,  but  also  that  we  may  be  made 
partakers  of  the  Divine  nature,  and  escape 
"  the  corruption  that  is  in  the  world  through 
lust."  *  "  When  Christ,  who  is  our  life,  shall 
appear,  then  shall  ye  also  appear  with  him 
in  glory.  Mortify,  therefore^  your  members 
which  are  upon  the  earth."  f 

Weary  and  sorrowful  pilgrim,  the  sufferings 
of  the  present  time  are  not  worthy  to  be  com- 
pared with  the  glory  that  shall  be  revealed. 
Let  the  radiance  of  coming  joys  illumine  the 
clouds  of  present  grief;  let  the  melody  of 
heaven-breathed  songs  soothe  the  agitation  of 
your  troubled  spirit.  0,  your  "  light  affliction 
is  but  for  a  moment,"  and  it  "  worketh  for  you 
a  far  more  exceeding  and  eternal  weight  of 
glory ;  while  you  look  not  at  the  things  which 
are  seen,  but  at  the  things  which  are  not  seen : 

*  2  Peter  i.  4.  f  Col.  iii.  4,  5. 


THE   HEAVENLY  REST.  261 

for  the  tilings  which  are  seen  are  temporal ;  but 
the  things  which  are  not  seen  are  eternal."  * 

Aged  Christian,  the  time  of  your  departure 
is  at  hand.  The  sunset  of  life  and  the  night 
of  death  usher  in  the  dawn  of  immortality. 
The  earthly  house  of  your  tabernacle  is  about 
to  be  dissolved;  but  you  have  a  building  of 
God,  a  house  not  made  with  hands,  eternal  in 
the  heavens.*  "Blessed  be  the  God  and  Father 
of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  which  according  to 
his  abundant  mercy  hath  begotten  us  again 
unto  a  lively  hope  by  the  resurrection  of  Jesus 
Christ  from  the  dead,  to  an  inheritance  incor- 
ruptible, and  undefiled,  and  that  fadeth  not 
away,  reserved  in  heaven  for  you,  who  are 
kept  by  the  power  of  God  through  faith  unto 
salvation  ready  to  be  revealed  in  the  last  time : 
wherein  ye  greatly  rejoice."  f 

*  2  Cor.  iv.  ir,  18.  t  1  Peter  i.  3  -  6. 


262  life's  evening. 


Listen  to  the  words  of  your  ascended  and 
glorified  Saviour:  "  Surely  I  come  quickly!" 
What  is  your  earnest  and  heart-felt  response  ? 
"  Amen.     Even  so,  come,  Lord  Jesus !  "  * 

*  Eev.  xxii.  20,  21. 


^*^ 


@iir  W)mt. 


fxitB  sun  a  longer  shadow  throws, 
And  all  things  whisper  of  repose  ; 
Our  toilsome  journey  soon  will  close, 
And  we  shall  reach  our  home ! 


Here  we  no  resting-place  have  found ; 
Unnumbered  dangers  lurk  around. 
Temptations,  snares,  and  griefs  abound. 
Earth  cannot  be  our  home. 

On  let  us  press  with  cheerful  haste, 
Nor  precious  moments  idly  waste ; 
For,  oh !  we  long  those  joys  to  taste, 
Which  are  reserved  at  home. 


264  life's  evening. 


Only  a  narrow  stream  doth  flow 
Between  this  dreary  waste  of  woe 
And  that  fair  land  where  richly  grow 
The  lovely  flowers  of  home. 

Its  peaceful  waters  softly  ghde, 
And  Christ  through  them  our  steps  will  guide, 
And  land  us  on  the  other  side, 
Where  wq  shall  be  at  home. 

Some  cherished  friends  have  gone  before. 
Their  conflicts  and  their  toils  are  o'er  ; 
And  we  shall  meet  to  part  no  more. 
When  we  have  gained  our  home. 

Their  songs  of  welcome,  sweet  and  clear, 
Will  soon  be  falling  on  our  ear  ; 
For  we  are  drawing  very  near 
Unto  our  happy  home. 


OUR  HOME.  265 


No  clouds  of  sorrow  gather  there ; 
Hushed  is  the  latest  thought  of  care ; 
Perpetual  joys  those  loved  ones  share 
Within  our  Father's  home. 

Life's  sun  a  longer  shadow  throws, 
And  all  things  whisper  of  repose ; 
Our  toilsome  journey  soon  will  close, 
And  we  shall  reach  our  home ! 


THE  END. 


fist  a(  §00ks 


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